By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
REDLANDS, Calif. -- Sydney Wilson (So., M, Olympia, WA/Capital HS) of Willamette University tied the score just 38 seconds after University of Redlands produced the game's first goal, but the Bulldogs tallied a second goal 15 minutes later to defeat the Bearcats, 2-1, in a non-conference women's soccer game on Friday, Sept. 6. All three goals were scored in the first half. Redlands upped its record to 3-0 on the season, while Willamette slipped to 1-1 overall.
Skyla Wilson of Redlands scored first at 23:20 on an assist from Emily Falla. The play began with Falla sending a length cross to Wilson, who sent the ball into the net. Shortly after the ensuing kickoff. Sydney Wilson of WU countered with a goal of her own at 23:58. Aoi Sawanobori (So., M, Kofu, Japan/TIUA) earned an assist with a short through-pass to set up Wilson at the far post.
The Bulldogs surged back into the lead at 38:00, when Nolan Mendonca scored during a scramble inside the penalty area. Her unassisted goal created a 2-1 lead for Redlands. It proved to be the game-winning goal after neither team scored during the final 52 minutes.
Redlands outshot Willamette 18-13 overall, including a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Bulldogs owned a 12-7 edge in total shots at halftime. In the second game, each team took six shots.
Kristen Barclay (Sr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) played all 110 minutes in goal for the Bearcats and ended the night with four saves. Brittany Dinkins played the first 45 minutes in goal for Redlands and registered one save. Courtney Stewart was in goal for the Bulldogs in the second half and was credited with one save.
Skyla Wilson of Redlands led all players with eight total shots and had three shots on goal. Falla tacked on three shots for UR. For Willamette, Lacey Jones (Jr., F, Portland, OR/David Douglas HS) and Clara Mattison (Fy., M, Burlington, WA/Burlington Edison HS) each took three shots. Jackie Gilroy (Fy., F/M, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS) provided the Bearcats with two shots.
Willamette will take on Chapman University on Sunday, Sept. 8 in Orange, California, to complete the road trip. Game time is slated for 11 a.m. (PDT).
