By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) scored a goal late in the first half and the Bearcats played solid defense, as Willamette University defeated Linfield University, 1-0, on Sunday, March 21 on the Linfield campus. The Bearcats, who routed the Wildcats 7-0 at Sparks Field on Wednesday in Salem, Oregon, advanced their record to 5-0 on the season, 5-0 in the Northwest Conference men's soccer standings. Linfield slipped to 2-4 overall, 2-4 in the NWC.

Gallaway provided WU with Sunday's only goal at 39:46 on an unassisted shot. It was his second goal of the season. He scored Willamette's fifth goal in the win over Linfield on Wednesday.

With Gallaway's goal on the scoreboard, the Bearcats relied on quality defense from starting goalkeeper Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS), back-up goalie Pierluca Carnovale (Fy., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS), and the team's defenders to keep Linfield at bay. Richard-Bassett registered his only save on a header by Cesar Cruz-Espindola at 44:18. Carnovale and the defense held Linfield without a shot on target in the second half.

"It's always a tough battle to go on the road and get a good result at Linfield, and today was no different," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Jared Rust said. "I thought the group created many good chances to score and fortunately wer able to capitalize on one of them. The team defended excellently and we were able to come away with three points and a clean sheet. I'm really pleased with this talented group. I am very excited to watch the big things the team has in its future."

For the game, Willamette owned a 17-6 margin in total shots. The Bearcats also claimed a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal. Gallaway topped all players on both teams with four shots. Simon Kidder (Fy., M, Bend, OR/Summit HS) and Sean Kim (Fy., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) each took three shots for WU. Cruz-Espindola and Ryan Kister earned two shots apiece for Linfield. Willamette built an 8-2 lead in corner kicks, including 6-1 in the second half.

Julian Inches registered six save in goal for the Wildcats while playing all 90 minutes. He earned three saves in each half. All three of his saves in the first half were during the opening 13:17 of action.

So far this season, the Bearcats have scored 17 goals and allowed just one goal on defense. Willamette also is 3-0 in one-goal games with a 2-1 win over George Fox University on March 7, and 1-0 wins over Pacific University on March 14 and Linfield on Sunday.

The Bearcats will play at George Fox for the second time this season on Wednesday, March 24. The NWC road game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. (PDT).