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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound broke a scoreless tie with a pair of second half goals, as the Loggers defeated visiting Willamette University, 2-0, in men's soccer action on Sunday, Sept. 19. UPS improved its record to 5-1-2 overall, 2-0 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats fell to 2-4-1 overall, including 0-2 in the NWC.

Neither team found the nets during the first half, but Puget Sound moved into the lead on a goal by Kyle Benson just over 13 minutes into the second half. Peter Russell and Landon Gauthier registered assists on the play.

Gauthier began the sequence with a pass to Russell, who crossed the ball. Benson took the pass and tapped the ball into an open net.

The Loggers increased their lead to 2-0 at 69:34. Ryan Rash scored the goal by taking the ball near the top of the penalty area and shooting it into the upper left corner of the net.

Both teams took less than 10 shots. Puget Sound ended the game with eight total shots, including three shots on goal. Willamette finished with six shots, while placing two of the shots on goal. UPS claimed a 7-1 margin in corner kicks.

Rash and Vincent McCluskey each took two shots for UPS. Trevor Jensen (Fr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) produced two shots for the Bearcats.

UPS goalkeeper Chris McDonald made two saves while recording the shutout. Willamette goalie Eben Hellekson (Sr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) was credited with one save.

Willamette will host two NWC games next weekend. The Bearcats will take on George Fox University on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Sparks Field, starting at 2:30 p.m. (PDT). WU will take on Pacific University on Sunday, Sept. 26, also at 2:30 p.m.