By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

GEORGETOWN, Texas -- Lucas Carballo (Fy., F, Riverside, CA/Bloomington HS) of Willamette University tied the score at 1-1 with a goal in the second half, but the University of St. Thomas (Texas) scored the final two goals of the game to defeat the Bearcats, 3-1, at Southwestern University (Texas) on Sunday, Sept. 3. The Bearcats fell to 0-2 on the season, while the Celts advanced their record to 2-0.

St. Thomas took a 1-0 lead at the 28:49 mark in the first half on a goal by Dany Ramirez. Daniel Flores recorded an assist on the play. The Celts were unable to expand their lead in the first half, despite earning an 11-3 edge in total shots over the opening 45 minutes.

Carballo equalized for the Bearcats just under 12 minutes into the second half at 56:46. The goal-scoring sequence began with a strong shot from the left side by Sean Kim (Sr., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS). UST goalkeeper Christo Gayoso earned a save on the play, but the ball rebounded straight to Carballo, who shot into the net from eight yards.

Just 2:21 later, the Celts regained the lead at 2-1 on a goal by Taty Aleman. A cross from the right side near the end line was deflected by WU goalie Pierluca Carnovale (Sr., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS). The ball bounced to Aleman just outside the top of the box. He sent the ball low and into the net.

Willamette searched for the tying goal and had a great chance at 75:45 when a penalty kick was awarded to the Bearcats. Kim took the penalty shot, but his attempt was saved by Gayoso. The ball was redirected wide enough to Kim's left that he was unable to regain control for a follow-up shot.

The Celts created the final score on a penalty kick taken by Daniel Castro at 82:09. The penalty was awarded following a scramble about nine yards in front of the goal.

St. Thomas achieved a 20-8 margin in total shots and an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. Willamette attained a 6-4 edge in corner kicks. Carnovale was credited with five saves for the Bearcats. Gayoso made three saves for the Celts.

Willamette will play its first regular season home game of the season on Friday, Sept. 8 against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.). Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 8 p.m. PDT.