Linfield Scores with 2:01 Left to Edge Bearcats, 1-0

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Linfield College edged Willamette University, 1-0, in men's soccer on Saturday, Oct. 12 as Ivan Colin score the game's only goal with 2:01 left in regulation. Linfield improved to 6-4-1 overall, 3-3-1 in the NWC. Willamette ended the game at 6-4-2 on the season, 2-3-2 in the NWC.

The Wildcats held a slim 13-12 advantage in total shots, while the Bearcats owned a 5-4 margin in shots on goal. Willamette also achieved six corner kicks, compared to just one corner for Linfield.

Domenico Del Prete, who assisted on Colin's goal, led all players with five shots. The Wildcats also received four shots from Nicholas Autencio. Trevor Jensen (Sr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) earned four shots for Willamette, including two shots on goal.

Willamette maintained plenty of quality possession in the final 25 minutes, and nearly scored at 69:24 when a shot by Yazan Hishmeh (So., F, Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS) hit the crossbar. Adam Lewis (Jr., MF, Corvallis, OR/Crescent Valley HS/Pomona-Pitzer) followed up with a shot six seconds later that was saved by Linfield goalkeeper Grant Loriaux.

Hishmeh's shot was the second time the Bearcats hit the crossbar. Sam Gonzalez (So., D, Junction City, OR/Junction City HS) was denied in a similar fashion in the first half on a shot at 36:40.

Linfield found the game's only goal after moving down the left touchline on a counter attack. The ball was then sent toward the middle of the attacking third, where it was passed forward into the penalty area. A quick pass went to Colin, who scored from 5 yards, as he put the ball into the upper left corner.

Loriaux made five saves to record the shutout for the Wildcats. WU goalie Braydon Calder (So., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) made two saves and a Bearcat defender cleared away one shot before it entered the net.

Willamette is slated to play George Fox University on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Sparks Field. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).