By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- The Bearcats earned 67% of the possession and registered a 20-8 advantage in total shots, as Willamette University shut out Pacific University 2-0 on Friday, Oct. 8 at Sparks Field. Although Willamette held an edge in both time and offensive chances, the score was 0-0 until a two-minute stretch during the second half when the Bearcats scored both goals.
Willamette broke the scoreless tie on a 15-yard shot by Fernando Bitelli (Sr., F/M, Sao Paulo, Brazil/Roseburg HS, Ore.) at 75:21. He placed the shot into the goal's lower left corner after receiving a pass from the top of the 18-yard box by Lucas Carballo (Fy., F, Riverside, CA/Bloomington HS). Drew Alexander (So., D, San Mateo, CA/Junipero Serra HS), who started the sequence with a pass to Carballo from the right side of the field, also received an assist.
Just over two minutes later at 77:32, the Bearcats doubled their advantage to 2-0 on a goal by Jett Starr (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS). The scoring play began with a pass by Evan Mariscal (Fy., F/M, Gilroy, CA/Monte Vista HS) from the top left corner of the penalty area. Starr received the pass near the six-yard box and shot past Pacific goalie Zach Aderinto, sending the ball toward the lower right corner of the net.
In addition to claiming a sizable margin in total shots, the Bearcats also held a 6-2 lead in shots on target. The Bearcats also gained a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
WU goalie Ibrahm Garza (So., GK, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) registered his first career solo shutout while earning two saves. Aderinto provided the Boxers with four saves. A diving save by Garza near the right post and a couple of Aderinto's saves were impressive, as both goalies excelled.
Starr led all players with five total shots and had two shots on goal. Bitelli, Carballo, and Tiago Palhetas (Fy., M/F, Mississauga, ON, Canada/Our Lady of Mount Carmel) each took three shots for Willamette. Jericho Lara of Pacific supplied three shots, including one shot on goal.
Willamette will play at Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Oct. 8. Kickoff in Tacoma, Washington, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. PDT. In the NWC standings, Pacific Lutheran is in first place at 5-0-2 (17 points) and Willamette is second at 5-1-1 (16 points).
