Bearcats Outshoot Warner Pacific, but Knights Take 1-0 Win

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University outshot Warner Pacific College in men's soccer on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Sparks Field, but the Knights were able to defeat the Bearcats, 1-0, as a goal at 34:27 was enough for WPC to claim a 1-0 win. Warner Pacific upped its record to 2-1-0, while Willamette saw its record even out at 1-1-1.

Warner Pacific scored the game's only goal on a shot by Jameson Jones. Alija Sacirovic assisted on the play. Jameson shot from the middle of the box and sent the ball into the center of the goal.

The goal stood up, as Willamette was unable to equalize despite a 19-11 advantage in total shots, including a 10-6 edge in shots on goal. WPC was able to maintain the lead because goalkeeper Drew Bonifacio recorded 10 saves for the Knights.

Leading Willamette in shots was Erik Kaufman (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS), who blasted five shots, including three that were saved by Bonifacio. Mike McGrew (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) added four total shots, while Adan Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS) and Trevor Jensen (So., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) each took two shots.

Jameson topped the Warner Pacific lineup with three shots -- all on goal. Almir Celebic and Ryan O'Dell were credited with two shots apiece. The Knights gained an 8-3 margin in corner kicks.

WU goalie Alfredo Zuniga (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) allowed just a single goal for the third consecutive game as his goals against average remained at 1.00. Zuniga registered five saves on Saturday and has 18 saves this season.

The game featured just one yellow card. It was issued to Warner Pacific's Daniel Sain at 71:42. For the game, WU committed 10 fouls, compared to eight fouls by WPC.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference play next Saturday (Sept. 17) at the University of Puget Sound. Game time in Tacoma, Wash., is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).