By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- Willamette University defender Mack van der Velde (Sr., Voorhout, Neth./Summit HS, Bend, OR) scored the game-winning goal with only 6:24 remaining and just 1:33 after Pacific University tied the game, as he sent the Bearcats to a 2-1 victory over the Boxers in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 24. The win at Hanson Stadium on the Pacific campus, advanced Willamette's record to 10-3-1 on the season, 8-2-1 in the NWC. Pacific slipped to 6-8-2 overall, 3-6-2 in the NWC.

The Bearcats scored late in the first half at 43:41 on a shot by Andrew Reed (Fy., M, Portland, OR/Franklin HS). A long throw-in for the Bearcats by Luke Varav (Fy., F, Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) led to a group of players battling for possession in the middle of the 18-yard box. The ball popped out and was sent immediately back toward the players in front of the goal. Reed managed to gain control and shot from five yards into the center of the goal.

Willamette earned a 6-5 edge in total shots over the first 45 minutes. The Bearcats outshot the Boxers 8-3 in the second half for an overall advantage of 14-8, including 5-3 in shots on target. WU also accumulate a 6-2 margin in corner kicks.

Early in the second half, Jericho Lara of Pacific shot over the goal at 46:29 and Samuel Twenhafel (So., D, Anchorage, AK/South Anchorage HS) of Willamette took a lengthy shot at 48:13 that resulted in a save by Pacific goalkeeper Zach Aderinto. During the next 33 minutes, WU held a 4-0 lead in shots, with two by Krisna LaFrance (Fy., F, Seattle, WA./Ballard HS) and one each by Sean Kim (So., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) and Twenhafel. The offensive pressure didn't lead to an insurance goal.

Pacific tied the game at 82:03 on a goal by Noah Edwards with an assist from Alex Pasmann. The goal was recorded just a few seconds after a shot by Pasmann was blocked by Willamette.

The Bearcats responded quickly, as van der Velde broke the tie with a shot at 83:36. The play began with another throw-in by Varav. Max Berner-Hays (Sr., D, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) used a header to flick the ball to the top of the 6-yard box. After several players tried to control the ball, van der Velde shot through into the middle of the net.

"Pacific has improved a lot throughout the season, and it definitely showed in today's match. They gave us problems," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman said. "I'm proud of our players for finding a way late into it to put the match to bed. We were missing some pieces today, and the depth of our squad was on full display. Overall, it was a good win, and good weekend (the Bearcats defeated George Fox University 1-0 on Saturday)."

Willamette goalie Pierluca Carnovale (So., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) made two saves during the game. Aderinto registered three saves for the Boxers. Willamette is 6-2 this season in games decided by one goal.

The Bearcats are scheduled to play Whitman College on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Sparks Field. Game time on the Willamette campus is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).