Bearcats and Boxers Tie 1-1 in Two Overtimes in NWC Men's Soccer

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University and Pacific University each scored a goal within a two-minute span in the first half, but neither team scored again, as the Bearcats and the Boxers played to a 1-1 tie in two overtimes during a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The tie at Sparks Field moved Willamette's record to 6-4-1 overall, 3-1-1 in the NWC. Pacific's record changed to 3-6-1 on the season, 0-4-1 in the NWC.

Willamette's Julian Hanlon-Austin (So., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) produced the game's first goal, as he scored unassisted at 21:02. Hanlon-Austin drove down the right wing, beat a defender and shot form 10 yards into the upper right portion of the goal. It was Hanlon-Austin's second goal of the season.

Just 1:12 later, Pacific tied the score on a goal by Mark Watson at 22:14. Watson shot into an empty net from three yards out, after WU goalkeeper Braydon Calder (Jr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) saved a shot by Weli Alamillo from 14 yards on the right side.

Neither team scored the rest of the way, although there were three great chances during the overtime periods.

In the first overtime, Yazan Hishmeh (Jr., F, Ventura, CA/Saint Bonaventure HS) of Willamette hit a header off the left post with at 96:59. Hishmeh led all players with six total shots.

A bit later at 98:52, Hanlon-Austin was tripped by Kellan McNamara inside the penalty area. Hishmeh took the ensuing penalty kick. With Pacific goalie Leyton Thomassen diving to the attacker's right, Hishmeh hit a slow roller toward the left post, but missed just wide.

In the second overtime, Pacific had a header goal by Esteban Cruz disallowed due to an offside at 104:01. Estaban's chance was set up by a lengthy pass from near midfield.

Willamette outshot the Boxers 26-17 for the game, including 9-7 in shots on goal. The Bearcats gained a 7-1 edge in shots taken during overtime.

Hishmeh's six shots were followed by five shots from Hanlon-Austin, who took four shots in the first half, when his quick runs down the flank created several good opportunities for the Bearcats. Pacific received three shots from Babeck Ebadpour.

Calder finished the game with six saves for Willamette. Thomassen earned eight saves for Pacific. The Bearcats achieved a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Willamette will remain at home to take on George Fox University on Sunday (Oct. 5). Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT) following the Willamette women's soccer game against Linfield College.