By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Linfield College defeated Willamette University, 2-1, in Northwest Conference men's soccer on Saturday night, Oct. 9, at Sparks Field, as the teams renewed their local rivalry. Linfield advanced its season record to 5-5-1, 4-3-0 in the NWC. Willamette moved to 3-7-2 on the season, 1-5-1 in the NWC.

All three goals were achieved in the first half. In fact, they all occurred in the first 21 minutes of play.

Willamette took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Brandon Shiluk (Fr., MF/F, Castro Valley, CA/Castro Valley HS) at 3:45. He was assisted by Loftin Langsdorf (So., MF/D, Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS) and Mike McGrew (So., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS).

McGrew started the play with a pass in to the right corner. Langsdorf received the pass and immediately crossed the ball to Shiluk, who headed it down from seven yards out. The ball bounced up and over the goalie before crossing the goal line. It was Shiluk's second goal of the season.

Linfield scored the next two goals, both by Michael Swain. The goals were tallied at 7:08 and 20:37. Kevin Donato assisted Swain's first goal, while Harper Taylor earned an assist on the second goal.

Swain produced the tying goal by redirecting a cross from the left side by Donato. Swain connected with the ball several yards out and a wide of the right post. His shot sent the ball back toward the left corner of the goal.

The second goal was scored by Swain after he deflected a pass from Taylor. The pass came from the right side and was starting to go through the six-yard goalie box when Swain touched just enough of the ball to send it into the net.

Both teams took six shots in the first half, but Willamette outshot the Wildcats 6-2 in the second half to claim a 12-8 overall edge. The Bearcats also achieved a 9-4 advantage in shots on goal. Willamette also gained a 3-2 margin in corner kicks.

Linfield's starting goalkeeper, Joe Locascio, recorded six saves and played the first 64:35 of the game, before leaving due to an injury. Cody Tipton played the final 25:25 for Linfield and earned two saves. WU goalie Eben Hellekson (Sr., GK, Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) provided two saves for the Bearcats.

Willamette will play at Pacific University on Saturday, Oct. 16. Game time in Forest Grove, Ore., is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).