Bearcats Gain Shooting Edge in 3-0 Shutout of Linfield

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University built up a 19-9 advantage in total shots on Saturday, Oct. 8, as the Bearcats shut out archrival Linfield College, 3-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game at Sparks Field. The Bearcats received a goal in the first half from Erik Kaufman (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) and added two goals in the second half on shots by Trevor Jensen (Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) and Loftin Langsdorf (Jr., D, Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS).

The win moved Willamette to 4-5-1 overall, with a 3-4-0 record in the NWC. Linfield slipped to 1-8-1 overall, 0-6-1 in the NWC.

Approximately 30 former Bearcat men's soccer players were special guests at the game. The former Bearcat players were honored at halftime. The game started late in the afternoon in order to allow fans to see the Willamette football game, which started at 1:30 p.m.

Kaufman opened the scoring at 18:11 when he redirected a lengthy free kick with a header from about 8 yards out. The play began with a free kick taken by Etienne Galbreath (Jr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) from 55 yards away on the Willamette half of the field. Kaufman's header occurred to the left of the goal, as he sent the ball back toward the right side of the net. Galbreath earned an assist.

Just over nine minutes into the second half, Jensen scored to give the Bearcats a 2-0 lead. His shot went into the bottom left corner of the goal. Kaufman, who set up the score with a header pass, was credited with an assist.

The Bearcats netted their third goal at 78:25 on a shot by Langsdorf. Robin Hryciuk (So., D, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) created the opportunity with a pass from the left side of the field. Langsdorf headed the ball into the goal.

In addition to a 19-9 edge in total shots, Willamette also gained a 9-2 margin in shots on goal. The Bearcats also took seven corner kicks, while allowing the Wildcats just three corners.

Kaufman topped all players with six total shots. He took two shots on goal. Kaufman now has six goals and two assists this year.

Linfield's starting goalkeeper, Cody Tipton, registered six saves in the first half. Scott Goodman was in goal for the Wildcats in the second half, but did not record a save. WU goalie Alfredo Zuniga (Sr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) earned two saves while claiming the shutout.

Willamette plays again on Saturday, Oct. 15 at George Fox University. Kickoff in Newberg, Ore., is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).