By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- Emily Tsugawa scored with 2:39 remaining in the second half to send visiting Corban University to a 2-1 victory over Willamette University in women's soccer action on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The Warriors improved to 2-0 in the season, while the Bearcats dropped their opener.

Early in the game Corban controlled the ball well and had possession for majority of the time. Rileigh Manikin of Corban opened the scoring 13:57 into the game on a header from eight yards out. She was assisted on the play by Katie Hanson.

We were unorganized in the first half, said Head Coach Hillary Arthur after the game. We worked hard but we were scattered on the field.

The 150 fans who watched the season opener were treated to a much more organized and efficient Bearcat team in the second half.

Willamette equalized early in the second half, when Ariel Wilson (So., MF, Salt Lake City, UT/Poudre HS) scored on a penalty kick after she was fouled in the Corban penalty area at 50:30.

For the next 37 minutes the teams battled back and forth, each attempting multiple shots.

We settled down in the second half and found our feet. I thought we moved well both on and off the ball, said Arthur.

Corban was finally able to break the 1-1 tie with a late goal from Tsugawa. Tsugawa's winning goal was recorded on a shot from 18 yards out on the right side into the lower left corner of the goal. Genessa Neeser earned an assist on the play.

Willamette attempted five shots in the game compared to Corbans 19. Alexis Beattie picked up the win in goal for the Warriors. Freshman Nicole Price (Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) recorded five saves but was the losing goalkeeper for Willamette.

The Bearcats used sixteen players in the game. Senior Alex Batzer (F, Medford, OR/North Medford HS) had a team-high three shots.

Overall, I was pleased with our first game. We know what we need to work on, but we also know what our strengths will be this season, concluded Arthur.

Willamette will have just one day of rest before hosting Chapman University on Sept. 3 at 4:30 p.m. (PDT).