Bearcats Shut Out Bethel 2-0 to Remain Unbeaten

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University defeated Bethel University (Minn.), 2-0, on Sunday, Sept. 5 at Sparks Field, as the Bearcats recorded their second consecutive shutout win. The victory kept WU undefeated at 2-0-1 on the season. Bethel fell to 0-3.

Etienne Galbreath (So., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) and Bob Paras (Jr., F, Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS/Yuba College) scored for the Bearcats. Willamette goalkeeper Eben Hellekson (Sr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) registered seven saves to earn the shutout.

Willamette's speed up front led to three quick-strike attacks in the first five minutes. Two of the shots were taken by Paras and one was provided by Derek Johnson (So., F, Mercer Island, WA/Mercer Island HS).

The Bearcats continued to put pressure on Bethel over the next twenty minutes. Trevor Jensen (Fr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) forced a save by BU goalie Leif Sundberg at 21:01 and Mike McGrew (So., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) took a shot that required a save by Sundberg at 25:14.

Galbreath scored the game's first goal at 26:26 when he headed in a cross from Brendan Dineen (Sr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS), after Dineen received a short corner kick from McGrew. The play started on the left side of the attack, with Galbreath ultimately scoring near the right post.

Bethel had to press forward after falling behind. The Royals outshot WU, 3-0, over the remainder of the first half, and held much of the play in the second half.

Despite spending the majority of the second half on its own side of the field, Willamette used staunch defending in the final third to limit Bethel to four shots, two on goal, over the final 45 minutes.

WU also managed to attack with limited possession. The Bearcats achieved five shots in the second half, including two shots on goal.

Paras scored the second goal with just four second left in the game. He received the ball a few yards onto the Bethel side of the field on a pass from Jensen, and then tipped the ball over Sundberg, who was charging out near midfield on the play. Paras beat Sundberg to the ball and won the ensuing race toward the goal before shooting from a few yards out.

Willamette ended the game with a slim 11-10 advantage in total shots. Bethel achieved a 7-6 edge in shots on goal and owned a 3-1 margin in corner kicks.

Paras topped all players with four shots, while Jensen contributed three shots and McGrew added two. For the Royals, David Swenson led the offense with three shots. Sundberg was credited with four saves.

The Bearcats will return to action on Friday, Sept. 10 at the University of Redlands. Game time in Redlands, Calif., is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).