By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

PARKLAND, Wash. -- Yazan Hishmeh (Sr., F, Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS) scored for Willamette University at 72:02 and the Bearcats went on to defeat Pacific Lutheran University, 1-0, on Sunday, Oct. 4 in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game. Julian Hanlon-Austin (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) assisted on the goal.

Willamette improved to 3-7-1 overall, 2-4 in the NWC. Ten of Willamette's 11 games have been decided by a single goal or ended in a tie, including all three wins and six of the losses. The Lutes fell to 8-4-0 overall, 4-2 in the NWC.

Hishmeh shot from just inside the 18-yard box to score the goal. His shot followed a lenghty throw-in by Hanlon-Austin. The Bearcats have been exceptionally good on restarts and throw-ins this season.

PLU earned three shots after Hishmeh's goal, but WU goalkeeper Braydon Calder (Sr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) registered saves on two of the shots and the third, by Diego Aceves at 86:22, went high. Calder made saves on Bennett Bugbee at 73:31 and on Aceves at 82:15.

The Lutes gained a 17-10 margin in total shots and a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. PLU goalkeeper Mike Arguello played all 90 minutes, but did not record a save. Calder amassed five saves for the Bearcats.

Aceves of PLU led all players with six total shots and two shots on goal. Diego Ochoa (Fr., F, Coronado, CA/Coronado HS) topped Willamette with four total shots, while Hishmeh took three. The Lutes earned eight corner kicks, while the Bearcats finished with six.

Pacific Lutheran nearly scored 10:22 into the game when Suwilanji Silozi hit the crossbar with a shot. The Lutes outshot Willamette 9-5 over the first 45 minutes.

Each team took four shots in the second half before Hishmeh hit the net for the Bearcats.

Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 10 with a home game against archrival Linfield College. Kickoff at Sparks Field is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).