By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- For the second time this season, Willamette University goalkeeper Marco Gonzalez-Yanez (Jr., Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS/U. of Portland) has been chosen the Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week. Earlier this fall he received the honor after helping the Bearcats defeat University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University during the week ending Sept. 17. His most recent selection resulted from his efforts in two road games, as the Bearcats downed Whitworth University, 3-1, on Sept. 30 and tied Whitman College, 1-1, on Oct 1.

Gonzalez-Yanez played all 200 minutes in goal as the Bearcats improved to 6-3-1 on the season and remained in first place in the NWC at 5-0-1. He recorded three saves in Willamette's victory over Whitworth and contributed five saves in the two-overtime tie at Whitman. The win at Whitworth was Willamette's first road victory over the Pirates since before 1998. Gonzalez-Yanez earned a 0.90 goals against average during the week.

For the season, Gonzalez-Yanez has registered 39 saves and a 1.09 goals against average. He has achieved two solo shutouts and two combined shutouts.

Including the tie at Whitman, the Bearcats have gone seven games without a loss this season (6-0-1). Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 with a home game against archrival Linfield College. Game time at Sparks Field is slated for 7 p.m. (PDT). The game will be part of Willamette's Family Weekend.