By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University Bearcats have put together a successful start to the men's soccer season, achieving a 5-0 overall record and a 5-0 mark in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats have outscored their opponents 17-1, including a 7-0 victory over nearby rival Linfield University on March 17.

Sean Kim (Fy., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) leads Willamette's offense with three goals and an assist for seven total points. He earned two goals when the Bearcats defeated Pacific University in the regular season opener, 6-0, on Feb. 28.

Three Bearcats have scored two goals this season. They are Edwin Ortiz (So., M, Salem, OR/North Salem HS), Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) and Abdul Ali (So., D, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS). Ortiz matched Kim with two goals against Pacific on Feb. 28. Gallaway scored a goal in both of Willamette's game against Linfield. Ali tallied two scores in the first meeting with Linfield.

Ryan Sato (Jr., MF, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) has been active on the attack throughout the first five games. In addition to setting the offense in motion, he has recorded a goal and two assists. Carter McCleary (Sr., F, Port Hadlock, WA/Chimacum HS) and Josh Schneider (Jr., F, Washougal, WA/Camas HS) each have supplied WU with one goal and one assist. Other Bearcats who have scored one goal are Simon Kidder (Fy., M, Bend, OR/Summit HS), Phil Doherty (Jr., MF, Seattle, WA/Garfield HS), Max Brown (So., F, Morgan Hills, CA/Ann Sobrato HS), and Omar Dominguez Pascasio (Sr., D, Madras, OR/Madras HS).

Sebastian Ruelas (Jr., F/M, Salem, OR/South Salem HS/Chemeketa CC) has contributed two assists -- both in the sizeable win at Pacific. Bryan Nicolas (Fy., M, Salem, OR/McKay HS) and Jack Moothart (Sr., M, West Linn/West Linn HS) have been credited with one assist apiece.

The defense has also provided stellar play this season, with a 0.20 goals against average and four shutout wins. Goalkeeper Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) leads the NWC with a 0.00 goals against average and a 1.000 save percentage. He has registered five saves and allowed no goals in 225 minutes. Pierluca Carnovale (Fy., Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) also has played 225 minutes in goal for the Bearcats. He owns a 0.40 goals against average to go with three saves.

Ali was recently named NWC Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete and Gallaway was chosen NWC Men's Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for their efforts in Willamette's two wins over Linfield. Earlier in the season, Ortiz was selected as the NWC Men's Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his performance in the first meeting with Pacific.

The Bearcats will host George Fox University on Sunday, March 28 at Sparks Field. Game time is set for 4 p.m. (PDT).