By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director
SALEM, Ore. -- Julian Hanlon-Austin (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored a goal at 53:49 and goalkeeper Josh Fuentes (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) saved a penalty kick just under 20 minutes later, as Willamette University edged out Pacific University, 1-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Saturday, Sept. 24. The win at Sparks Field advanced the Bearcats' record to 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the NWC. Pacific fell to 4-4 on the season, 2-1 in the NWC.
It was a well-contested game from the start, with the defenses allowing just three shots on goal in the first half and seven shots on target overall. Pacific finished the game with a slim 4-3 advantage in shots on goal, but the Bearcats also had two shots that just missed in the 85th minute, as one shot hit the crossbar and the other hit a post.
After 45 minutes, the teams went into the break with a 0-0 tie. First half shots on goal were credited to Weli Alamillo and Matt Kimball of Pacific, as well as Liam Main of Willamette.
The Bearcats moved in front just under nine minutes into the second half when Diego Ochoa (So., F, Coronado, CA/Coronado HS) sent a lengthy through ball down the middle of the field. Hanlon-Austin beat a defender to the ball and then shot past on-rushing goalkeeper Leyton Thomassen and into the net.
Willamette has scored eight goals this season. Eight Bearcats have provided one goal apiece.
Pacific earned a corner kick at 65:40, but a header by Kanoa Terrazas went wide left. Neither team created another shot until a Pacific attacker was tripped near the right edge of the penalty area. A penalty kick was awarded.
Diego Lopes stepped up to take the kick for the Boxers. Lope's shot was saved by Fuentes, who dove to his right and deflected the ball away from the goal. Willamette was able to clear the ball out of danger.
Willamette almost increased its lead to 2-0 with a pair of shots at 84:06 and 84:10. The first shot was taken by Alan Hernandez (Jr., M, Tigard, OR/Tigard HS). It hit the crossbar and bounced back into play. Fabian Guerrero (Sr., M, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) gained control and then shot the ball off the right post.
Pacific had a final chance in the closing seconds on a corner kick. Lopes took the corner kick and Elan Yogi was able to shoot, but the ball went wide right with nine seconds left. Fuentes kept the ball in play and ran out the clock.
The Bearcats registered a 12-11 margin in total shots. Pacific gained a 6-4 lead in corner kicks.
A total of six cards were issued during the game. Keilian MacCulloch of Pacific was issued a yellow card in the first half at 32:40 and received a red card for a punch at 81:28 after he was fouled by Ochoa, who received a yellow card on the play. Pacific competed with 10 players for the final 8:32.
Also receiving yellow cards were Patrick Charlton (Fr., D, Port Towsend, WA/Port Towsend HS) of Willamette at 84:29, Austin Arnold (Jr./So., M, Portland, OR/Grant HS) of the Bearcats at 85:40, and Keola Norton from the Boxers at 87:18. Willamette was called for 22 fouls and Pacific was whistled for four fouls.
The Bearcats will play at George Fox University on Sunday, Sept. 25. Game time in Newberg, Oregon, is set for 2:30 p.m.
