Puget Sound Holds Off Bearcats, 3-2

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound built a 3-0 lead and held off Willamette University in the final 15 minutes to earn a 3-2 win over the Bearcats on Saturday, Sept. 17. Puget Sound improved to 2-2, 1-0 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 1-2-1 overall, 0-1 in the NWC.

Puget Sound led 2-0 at halftime and added a goal at 50:43 to built its 3-0 lead.

In the first half, Andrew White scored both goals. he was assisted by Terence Blackburn and Landon Gauthier on the first goal at 20:33. Vincent McCluskey provided the assist on the second goal at 30:59 with a pass into the middle of the box. UPS outshot Willamette 6-4 over the first 45 minutes.

The third goal for the Loggers was recorded by Gauthier, who scored on a shot from the right side that bent around WU goalkeeper Alfredo Zuniga (Sr., Salem, OR/South Salem, HS). Gauthier's goal was unassisted.

Willamette cut the lead to 3-1 at 74:42 on a goal by Mike McGrew (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS). His shot went off the hands of goalie Chris McDonald and into the net on a shot from 18-yards out. There were no assists on the play.

The Bearcats continued to battle and eventually pulled within a single goal in the final minute, when Adan Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS) put the ball into the net at 89:19. The goal was assisted by Loftin Langsdorf (Jr., D, Vancouver, WA/Columbia River HS).

WU outshot Puget Sound 8-2 in the second half, as the Bearcats finished the game with a 12-8 advantage in total shots. The Bearcats also achieved a 7-4 edge in shots on goal. UPS gained a 6-3 margin in corner kicks, including four in the first half.

McDonald grabbed five saves for Puget Sound, while Zuniga earned one save for Willamette. White of UPS scored his two goals on five total shots. McGrew took four shots overall for the Bearcats.

Willamette will remain on the road to play Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).