Chemeketa Defeats Bearcats, 2-0, in Exhibition Game

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Chemeketa Community College scored one goal in the opening minutes and tacked on a second goal in the closing minutes, as the Storm defeated Willamette University, 2-0, in an exhibition game for the Bearcats on Thursday, Sept. 8 at Sparks Field. The game counted for Chemeketa CC, which improved its record to 4-0-2 on the season.

The result did not count on Willamette's record. The Bearcats compete in the NCAA, which does not count games against community colleges or junior colleges. WU did not play five of its regular starters.

Chemeketa took a 1-0 lead just 1:56 into the match on a shot by Felipe Heredia. Willamette lost a loose ball at the top of the penalty area and Heredia created space to his left, then shot from 17 yards into the lower right corner of the goal.

The Storm remained in front by the same score at halftime, despite outshooting the Bearcats, 12-3 in the first half.

In the second half, Willamette created more opportunities, including seven of the team's nine corner kicks. Chemeketa gained a slim 7-5 edge in shots during the final 45 minutes.

Roman Konyn provided the Storm with an insurance goal at the 86:13 mark, when he scored on a 16-yard shot that stayed low and found its way in to the right corner of the net. Jonathan Flores received an assist on the play.

Chemeketa gained an overall shooting edge of 19-8, including 10-0 in shots on goal. A couple of solid shots by the Bearcats were blocked by the defense, and CCC goalkeeper Alberto Gomez made several nice plays to stop shots that were going barely wide of the net. He also grabbed or deflected several quality crosses before Willamette's attackers could redirect the ball toward the goal.

James Neal (So., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) started in goal for Willamette. There was little he could do on Heredia's well-struck shot for the first goal. Neal helped the Bearcats recover from the early goal by making six saves in the first half. He added two more saves in the second half, before leaving the game at 63:05. Jake Waldner (Fr., GK, Mt. Vernon, OR/Grant Union HS) played the final 26:55 for the Bearcats.

Heredia topped all players with seven shots, including four shots on goal. Camron Riemhofer provided the Storm with three shots, while placing two shots on goal. Trevor Jensen (So., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) led Willamette with two shots.

The Bearcats return to regular season action on Saturday, Sept. 10, when they will host Warner Pacific College. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 1 p.m. (PDT).