Mariscal scores early, but Bearcats lose late to Cal Lutheran 2-1

Evan Mariscal

Thousand Oaks, CA - Willamette Men's Soccer opened their regular season with a 2-1 defeat at California  Lutheran University.  The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to an Evan Mariscal goal in the 15th minute, but the Kingsmen scored the equalizer in the 69th minute and the game-winner with just under three minutes to play.

Mariscal's goal was created by a cross-field pass from Tiago Palhetas to Sean Kim, who found Mariscal on a well-timed run that left him 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Mariscal led the Bearcats in shots for the match with 3, followed by Kim and Andrew Reed with 2.  Willamette was outshot for the contest 15-10.  Goalkeeper Ibrahm Garza played all 90 minutes and made two saves.  

The game saw 28 fouls between each team - 17 for Cal Lutheran and 11 for Willamette, including 10 cautions - 6 for the Kingsmen and 4 for the Bearcats.  Two of the cautions for Willamette were given to Defender Drew Alexander, causing him to have to leave the game with just under fourteen minutes remaining.

The Bearcats return to action on Sunday, playing at Occidental College at 11:00 am as they wrap up their trip to California. Willamette's first home match of the season is scheduled for next Friday, September 13th, at 8:00 pm vs the University of California - Santa Cruz.