By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director
SALEM, Ore. -- Timur Zhividze scored two goals for Corban University -- one just 1:26 into the game and the other just over three minutes into the second half -- as the Warriors earned a 3-0 victory over Willamette University on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Warrior Field. Corban, ranked #20 in the NAIA Men's Soccer Preseason Poll, improved to 5-0 on the season. Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III, fell to 2-1 overall.
The Warriors gained a quick lead in the crosstown rivalry game when Zhividze tallied his sixth goal of the season only 86 seconds into the match. Rolando Velazquez recorded an assist on the play.
Willamette stabilized things for the rest of the half, as the Bearcats finished the first 45 minutes with a 6-5 advantage in total shots and a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. WU starting goalkeeper Josh Fuentes (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) registered two saves during the half.
Zhividze took two shots on target in the first minute of the second half, forcing Willamette back-up 'keeper Quinn Nottage (Jr., GK, Portland, OR/Franklin HS) to make two saves. Zhivize hit the back of the next with his third shot of the half at 48:02. He was assisted on the play by Jacob Young and Kemar Prince.
Corban added an extra insurance goal at 71:07 on a shot by Young. Quamie Dinnall was credited with an assist after setting up Young for the goal.
Nottage finished the second half with five saves for Willamette. Jordan Farr made four saves during the game to earn the shutout for Corban.
The Warriors outshot the Bearcats 11-6 in the second half to create a 16-12 margin overall. Corban claimed a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal. Willamette took six corner kicks -- all in the second half. Corban recorded its only corner kick in the first half.
Zhividze topped all players on either team with seven total shots, including six shots on goal. Velazques produced six shots for the Warriors with three shots on target. PJ Gibson (So., F, Carmel, IN/Carmel HS) led Willamette with four shots, while placing three shots on goal. Alan Hernandez (Jr., M, Tigard, OR/Tigard HS) took three shots for the Bearcats.
The game at Corban was Willamette's second contest in as many days. The Bearcats defeated University of California, Santa Cruz 1-0 on Friday night at Sparks Field.
Willamette now has nearly a week off from competition until Saturday, Sept. 17, when the Bearcats open will Northwest Conference play at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).
