Puget Sound Defeats Bearcats, 2-0

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

SALEM, ORE. -- The University of Puget Sound scored one goal in each half, as the Loggers defeated Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match at Sparks Field on Sunday, Sept. 20. The Loggers finished with an 11-8 edge in total shots, while each team put three shots on goal.

The first goal for UPS was scored by Joe Lomeo, who shot from 15 yards as he slotted the ball toward the right post just 8:28 into the match. Zach Semago recorded an assist on the play.

Puget Sound extended its lead to two goals when Kyle Benson flicked in a header from five yards out near the left post at 66:41. Sean Rice was credited with an assist for his pass from the left side of the field to Benson.

A total of 13 of the game's 19 shots were taken in the first half. UPS achieved eight shots and Willamette earned five. WU's first shot, launched by Casey Dineen (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) at 2:39, was saved by Puget Sound goalkeeper Chris McDonald.

The goal by Lomeo came on the first shot for UPS. Lomeo found an opening near the top of the penalty area and hauled in a solid pass from Semago before shooting toward the far post. It was the only shot on goal out of the Loggers' eight total shots during the half.

At the 20:24 mark, Luke Lagattuta (Sr., MF, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) of Willamette took a shot from about 30 yards out. McDonald spotted the slightly-curving attempt and caught the ball to register a save for the Loggers.

Each team managed just three shots in the second half. Benson scored on one of Puget Sound's attempts, while Casey Dineen and Brendan Dineen (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) each came close to scoring for the Bearcats.

Brendan Dineen put a header on target for the upper right corner of the net at 74:18. McDonald was able to slightly deflect the ball and it skimmed off the crossbar and went out of bounds. Casey Dineen connected on a powerful shot from about 22 yards out with 12 seconds left in the game, but the ball rocketed about two yards to the right of the net.

McDonald finished with three saves to earn the shutout for UPS. Willamette goalie Mark Bennett (Sr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) registered one save. The Loggers achieved an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Willamette's next game is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at George Fox University. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT) in Newberg, Ore.