Willamette Shuts Out Walla Walla, as Vazquez and Hishmeh Each Score Twice

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University shut out Walla Walla University, 4-0, in men's soccer on Sunday, Sept. 9 behind two goals each from Adan Vazquez (Jr., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS) and Yazan Hishmeh (Fr., F, Ventura, CA/St. Bonaventure HS). Vazquez also earned an assist, while Trevor Jensen (Jr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) contributed three assists.

With the win at Sparks Field, Willamette upped its record to 3-2 on the season. Walla Walla dropped to 1-5.

The Bearcats took control early, scoring once in the first minute and a total of three times in the first 15 minutes. WU led 4-0 at halftime.

Willamette's fast start and general control of the game, allowed Head Coach Lloyd Fobi to use a significant number of substitutes, including nine players who saw action off the bench in the first half. WU continued to use a mixture of players in the second half and created several quality threats at the Walla Walla goal.

Vazquez put in the game's first goal just 46 seconds after the opening kickoff. Jensen assisted on the play with a nifty 20-yard crossing pass from the right side. Vazquez controlled the pass in stride, sped beyond the last defender and shot from 13 yards past WWU goalie Jonathan McLane.

The score reached 2-0 at 10:17 on an 8-yard shot by Hishmeh. Jensen provided a through-pass from the midfield that sent Hishmeh in on goal.

Hishmeh hit the net again at 14:28 on an 18-yard shot past an on-rushing McLane. Vazquez earned an assist on the play.

Vazquez matched Hishmeh with two goals at 33:10. Jensen supplied a short pass to beat the defense. Vazquez took control and shot from 8 yards toward the lower right corner of the goal.

Jensen's three assists placed him just short of the Willamette single game record of four assists, set by Dirk Hmura in 1991.

Willamette kept its 4-0 lead at the intermission after earning a 12-2 advantage in shots. Although WU's mixture of starters and substitutes didn't find the back of the net in the second half, the Bearcats still gained a 9-5 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes.

WU finished the game with a 21-7 margin in total shots and a 9-4 edge in shots on goal. The Bearcats registered seven corner kicks and did not allow a corner kick for the Wolves.

Starting goalkeeper Brayden Calder (Fr., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) recorded one save for Willamette. Julian Juarez (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) attained three saves for the Bearcats while playing all 45 minutes of the second half. McLane registered five saves for the Wolves.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 15 against Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).