By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

TACOMA, Wash. -- Willamette University goalkeeper Braydon Calder (Sr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) scored a goal on a 70-yard free kick to pull the Bearcats within 3-2 at 66:24, but Benjamin Whitham scored for University of Puget Sound just over three minutes later, and the Loggers went on to win 4-3 in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 3.

With the win, UPS improved to 6-4 overall, 4-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 2-7-1 overall, 1-4-1 in the NWC.

It was the first goal of Calder's career and the first in recent memory by a Willamette men's soccer goalkeeper. Calder now has one goal and one assist for the season.

Puget Sound scored first on a shot by Josh Sonico just 9:17 into the first half. Stefan Jensen and Sam Zisette assisted on the play. Jensen's initial shot was saved by Calder, but Sonico put in the rebound.

Sebastian Mortimer (Sr., D, Moscow, ID/Moscow HS) tied the game at 1-1 with a goal less than three minutes later at 12:14. Mortimer gained control in the penalty area following a poor clearance by the Loggers. He shot low and toward the near post.

A penalty kick awarded to UPS resulted in a goal by Vincent Von Luehrte at 38:47.

The Loggers extended their lead to 3-1 when Cameron Lorek scored near the right post at 42:30. Brandon Gonzalez, who passed the ball to Lorek on a cross from the center of the field to the right side, earned an assist on the play.

Calder's lengthy goal cut the margin to a single goal, but Whitham's score at 69:43 returned UPS to a two-goal lead. Royce Romero (Jr., D/M, Waipahu, HI/Punahou School) scored from inside the 6-yard box for the Bearcats at 75:18. Puget Sound kept WU from scoring a tying goal, despite giving up corner kicks to the visitors at 82:40 and 89:15.

Willamette will remain on the road on Sunday, Oct. 4 to play an NWC game at Pacific Lutheran University. The match-up between the Bearcats and the Lutes will start at 2:30 p.m. (PDT) in Parkland, Washington.