Bearcats Fall to #23-Ranked North Park, 1-0

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

TACOMA, WASH. -- The Willamette University men's soccer team battled nationally-ranked North Park University in a defensive struggle on Friday, Sept. 11 at the University of Puget Sound. James Kriticos of North Park tallied the game's only goal at 67:13, as the #23-ranked Vikings claimed a 1-0 win. North Park remained undefeated at 4-0, while Willamette fell to 1-3. All three losses have been by 1-0 scores.

North Park held an attacking edge during the scoreless first half. The Vikings took six shots in the first 45 minutes, including two shots on goal, while the Bearcats had no shots at the intermission. Even so, Willamette shut out its opponent in the first half for the fourth consecutive game to start the season.

In the second half, North Park outshot Willamette, 6-3. Three of the Vikings' shots were on goal, with Kriticos hitting the net for the game-winner on a cross from the left side by Kristoffer Grahn.

Casey Dineen (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) took two of Willamette's shots, including the only shot on goal at 72:05. North Park goalkeeper Daniel Tuls recorded a save on the play. WU's remaining shot was taken by Andrew Monbouquette (Sr., MF, Omaha, NE/Central HS).

Willamette goalie Eben Hellekson (Jr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) played the final 45 minutes for the Bearcats. He registered two saves and allowed the goal. Mark Bennett (Sr., GK, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) made two saves for Willamette during the first half.

North Park outshot the Bearcats, 12-3, for the game, but Willamette held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks. The Vikings were called for offside three times and the Bearcats were offside twice.

WU will remain in Tacoma to take on Chapman University (Calif.) on Saturday, Sept. 12. Game time at the University of Puget Sound is set for 2 p.m. (PDT).