Bearcats Battle #16-Ranked Whitworth, but Pirates Win, 1-0

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

SPOKANE, WASH. -- Willamette University provided a solid defensive battle with #16-ranked Whitworth University in men's soccer on Sunday, Sept. 16, but the Pirates escaped with a 1-0 victory following a goal by Will Wren at 83:26. Whitworth remained undefeated at 5-0-1 on the season, while improving to 2-0-0 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette dropped to 3-3-1 overall, 0-1-1 in the NWC.

Wren scored the goal on a shot from near the top of the penalty area. He took the ball around a defender and then sent a powerful shot toward the goal. Willamette goalie Brayden Calder (Fr., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) was able to touch the ball with his hands, but couldn't keep it from going into the net.

Willamette had a chance to tie the score with 2:27 remaining on a shot by Patrick Yagi (Sr., D, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS), but the Pirates' goalkeeper, Kyle Novak registered a save to retain the shutout.

Whitworth achieved 13 shots during the game and held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Even so, the Pirates earned just four shots on goal. Willamette finished with five total shots, including one shot on goal.

Calder made three saves for Willamette. His win-loss record in goal fell to 3-2-1 with both losses to nationally-ranked teams. Calder suffered the loss when Willamette was defeated by Trinity University (Texas), 3-2 in overtime on Sept. 3. Trinity was ranked #4 in NCAA Division III at the time and is now ranked #1.

The Bearcats picked up three yellow cards and one red card in the loss on Sunday. Senior defender Etienne Galbreath (Portland, OR/Grant HS) received the red card at 90:00 and will miss the Bearcats' next game on Saturday, Sept. 22 against the University of Puget Sound at Sparks Field.

Game time against the Loggers next weekend is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette also will play at home on Sunday, Sept. 23, when the Bearcats will face Pacific Lutheran University at 2:30 p.m.