By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University goalkeeper Pierluca Carnovale (Sr., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) registered seven saves, but Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (Calif.) defeated the Bearcats 3-0 on Friday, Sept. 8 at Sparks Field. Carnovale stopped several great offensive chances for the Stags, but CMS scored on a penalty kick about 20 minutes into the game and added two scores in the second half.

The Stags improved to 2-0 on the season. Willamette fell to 0-3 overall. The Bearcats will host Emory University (Ga.) at Sparks Field at 11:30 a.m. PDT on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Carnovale's efforts helped keep the Bearcats in the game for most of the contest. CMS finished with a 22-10 edge in total shots. The Stags owned a 10-3 margin in shots on goal.

A foul in the penalty area led to a penalty kick for the Stags at 19:52. Rafael Otero scored on the kick as he sent the ball into the middle of the net. The score remained 1-0 until the 66:45 mark, when Eric Sanchez earned a goal for the Stags on a 19-yard shot into the lower right corner. Jake Allmon of CMS tallied the final goal at 77:13 on a shot from eight yards out.

Willamette was stymied by the CMS defense for much of the game. When the Bearcats reached the final third or the edge of the penalty area, the Stags excelled at repelling the attacks. Even so, the Bearcats created several quality opportunities in the second half, including three shots on target in the final six minutes.

Sean Kim (Sr., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) played well and created problems for CMS, especially in the second half. He tied for the team lead with three total shots. Lucas Carballo (Fy., F, Riverside, CA/Bloomington HS) also recorded three shots for the Bearcats.

CMS starting goalkeeper Kevin Box played 83:42 in the nets and recorded the win. Daniel Kotkosky played the final 6:18 in goal and provided the Stags with three saves.