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

REDLANDS, CALIF. -- The University of Redlands scored an insurance goal with just under 15 minutes remaining to thwart a Willamette University comeback, as the Bulldogs defeated the Bearcats, 3-1, in men's soccer action on Friday, Sept. 10. Willamette moved to 2-1-1 on the season. Redlands, playing its season opener, ended the night at 1-0-0.

Redlands built a 2-0 lead, but the Bearcats pulled within a single goal when Bob Paras (Jr., F, Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS/Yuba College) scored at 66:51. The Bulldogs clinched the win with a penalty kick goal by Cody Carlson at 74:55.

Gabe Ramirez earned an assist on a corner kick leading to the first goal scored by Redlands. His corner kick was followed by a shot by Alex Laughton from nine yards into the net at 34:44. The second goal was scored by Ramirez directly off a corner kick at 58:28.

Just over eight minutes later, Paras cut the lead in half with his third goal in four games for the Bearcats. He beat Redlands goalkeeper Jason Smuckler on a shot after gaining a breakaway several yards into the penalty area and shooting from eight yards out. Trevor Jensen (Fr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) provided an assist on the play.

The penalty kick goal by Carlson returned the Bulldogs' advantage to two goals at 3-1 and helped end Willamette's efforts at completing a rally. Carlson took six shots overall, with two shots on goal. Jensen paced Willamette with three total shots (one on goal).

Redlands finished with a 24-8 edge in total shots, but gained only a 7-4 margin in shots on goal. The Bulldogs earned 12 corner kicks, while the Bearcats concluded the game with four corner kicks.

WU goalkeeper Eben Hellekson (Sr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) registered four saves. Smuckler made three saves for Redlands.

The Bearcats will conclude their weekend trip to California by taking on Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Sunday, Sept. 12 in Claremont, Calif. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).