Puget Sound Pulls Away from Willamette in Second Half, 4-1

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound scored the game's final three goals in the second half as the Loggers pulled away from Willamette University for a 4-1 win in Northwest Conference action on Saturday, Sept. 28. Puget Sound improved its record to 5-3-0, including 3-0-0 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 5-2-1 overall 1-1-1 in the NWC.

Puget Sound opened the scoring at 19:21, when Carson Swope converted a penalty kick after Willamette starting goalkeeper Julian Juarez (Fr., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) was called for a foul in the penalty area.

Ethan Tait (So., MF, Turlock, CA/Turlock HS) scored Willamette's only goal at 33:15 to tie the game at 1-1. It was the first goal of his WU career for Tait, who missed much of the 2012 season and the early part of this season due to injuries. Tait gained control of an attempted clearance by the Loggers, and then shot from 18 yards into the lower left corner of the goal.

Neither team scored during the remainder of the first half. UPS held a 6-3 advantage in total shots over the first 45 minutes, but WU owned a 3-2 edge in shots on goal.

The Loggers regained the lead just under eight minutes into the second half on a on a shot by Sam Zisette at 52:54. Zisette received a crossing pass through the penalty area from Connor LaFerriere, who earned an assist on the play. Zisette was able to shot into an open net.

UPS extended its advantage to 3-1 at 66:02 on a diving header by Vincent McCluskey following a free kick by Matthew Durland. The Loggers completed the scoring when Sean Ryan recorded an unassisted goal at 74:41 after taking advantage of a failed clearance by the Bearcats.

For the game, Puget Sound achieved a 17-11 margin in total shots, while building a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. Each team attained eight corner kicks, with UPS earning four in each half, and Willamette registering six in the second half.

Swope of UPS led all players with five shots, including three shots on goal. Adam Lewis (Jr., MF, Corvallis, OR/Crescent Valley HS/Pomona-Pitzer) and Trevor Jensen (Sr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) each finished with three shots for Willamette. Jensen placed two of his shots on goal. Tait contributed two shots, with both shots on target.

Nathan King played all 90 minutes in the nets for the Loggers and achieved five saves while picking up the win.

Juarez was credited with one save for Willamette in 45 minutes of action. Braydon Calder (So., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) took over in goal for the Bearcats at the start of the second half. Calder provided WU with four saves, but suffered his first loss of the season as his record dropped to a 5-1-1.

Willamette will remain in the Tacoma area to take on Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash., on Sunday, Sept. 29. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).