Willamette Shuts Outs Howard Payne, 4-0, in Season Opener

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University scored three goals in the first 19 minutes against Howard Payne University, including two goals in the first seven minutes, as the Bearcats built an early lead on their way to a 4-0 shut out of the Yellow Jackets on Friday, Aug. 30 at Sparks Field. It was the season opener for both teams.

Adam Lewis (Jr., MF, Corvallis, OR/Crescent Valley HS/Pomona-Pitzer) scored on a header just 4:17 into the game on an assist from Trevor Jensen (Sr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS). Jensen began the play by taking a free kick 45 yards from the goal. His lengthy pass found Lewis for an uncontested shot and an early lead.

Jensen led Willamette last season with eight assists and 18 total points.

WU increased the score to 2-0 on a 12-yard shot by Austin Jacobson (So., MF, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) from the left side at the 6:48 mark. The ball was sent barely outside the penalty area by an HPU defender before Jacobson gained control, dribbled forward and shot into the right side of the net.

Tyler Yates (So., MF, Kailua-Kona, HI/Kealakehe HS), who scored twice on the night, opened his account at 18:22 on an 8-yard shot after receiving a through-pass from Yazan Hishmeh (So., F, Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS). Hishmeh's pass from 25 yards out found the feet of Yates as he made a run into the box toward the left post.

A couple of touches later, Yates sent the ball into the left side of the net.

Willamette continued to lead 3-0 at halftime after outshooting the Yellow Jackets, 12-4, over the first 45 minutes.

Howard Payne played the final 38:58 with 10 men after Kevin Ruiz received a red card on a tackle near midfield early in the second half.

Yates provided the game's final goal at 79:56 on a 15-yard shot into the middle of the net after HPU goalkeeper Ryan Young saved a hard shot from the right side by Julian Hanlon-Austin (Fr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS). The rebound from Hanlon-Austin's shot went straight to Yates, who was wide open near the top of the penalty area.

The Bearcats finished the game with a 23-8 advantage in shots. Willamette placed 11 shots on goal while holding HPU to one shot on target. WU achieved a 7-1 margin in shots on goal in the first half.

Willamette earned 12 corner kicks on the night, including seven in the first half, while Howard Payne managed just three corner kicks.

Three WU goalies combined for the shutout. Braydon Calder (So., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) started in goal and played the first 45 minutes. He recorded the win and Willamette's only save. Julian Juarez (So., Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) began the second half and played 34:56. Josh Fuentes (Fr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) played the final 10:04.

Young was in goal for the entire game for Howard Payne. He registered six saves.

Willamette will host Lawrence University on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Sparks Field. Game time is set for 4 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats are scheduled to play six of their first seven game at home.