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

NEWBERG, ORE. -- Willamette University scored two goals in the final 12 minutes to break a 0-0 tie and defeat George Fox University, 2-0, in men's soccer night game at the Austin Sports Complex on Friday, Oct. 17. WU overcame wet and rainy conditions to earn the road win.

The Bearcats improved to 9-4-1 on the season, 6-1-1 in the Northwest Conference. George Fox fell to 2-10-1 overall, 0-8-0 in the NWC.

Willamette has at least a temporary hold on first place in the NWC standings with 19 points. University of Puget Sound is 6-1-0 with 18 points, but the Loggers have a game in hand and will host Whitworth University on Saturday (Oct. 18). Whitworth, also with a game in hand, is 5-1-1 in the NWC for 16 points.

The first goal on Friday was scored by Alan Hernandez (Fr., F, Tigard, OR/Tigard HS) at 78:02. It was his fourth goal of the season. The play began with a pass from Yazan Hishmeh (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS) which created a one-on-one opportunity for Hernandez, who beat GFU goalkeeper Ricardo Sotelo.

Stefan Wutte (So., D, Dallas, OR/West Salem HS) added an insurance goal in the final minute of play at 89:29. He scored on a direct free kick from 30 yards out. His shot skimmed off the wet surface in the penalty area and went into the net.

The Bruins outshot Willamette 7-3 in the first half, including 2-1 in shots on goal, as neither team found the back of the net. Willamette gained a slim 8-7 advantage in total shots during the final 45 minutes, with a 5-3 edge in shots on goal. For the game, GFU held a 14-11 margin in total shots, but WU gained a 6-5 lead in shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Julian Juarez (Jr., GK, Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) made five saves to register the shutout for Willamette, as he improved to 3-0 on the season. Ricardo Sotelo took the loss for the Bruins while earning four saves.

Hishmeh, who has recorded least one goal or one assist in eight games this season, is Willamette's top scorer with 11 goals and two assists for 23 points. On Friday, he led the Bearcats with six shots, including three shots on target. Luke Hammer took six shots for GFU, with one shot on goal.

Willamette does not play on Saturday, but will take on Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., on Sunday, Oct. 19. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).