Nationally Ranked Loras Scores Two Late Goals to Down Willamette, 3-0

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

DUBUQUE, IOWA -- Loras College (Iowa), tied for #3 in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), tallied two goals in the final 10 minutes to defeat Willamette University, 3-0, at the Rock Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 31. The Duhawks improved to 2-0 on the season, while Willamette dropped to 0-2.

The game's first goal was scored by Loras at 14:06 by Alex Bradley. He was assisted on the play by Jimmy Ralph.

Loras, which finished last season at 19-2-3 overall, continued to lead 1-0 at halftime despite holding a 12-4 advantage in total shots. The Bearcats kept the game close through 80 minutes, but couldn't stop the Duhawks on their next two shots.

Mike Pizzello scored for Loras at 80:58, with Bradley recording an assist. Just over two minutes later, Pizzello scored again, this time with an assist from Matt Brant.

The Duhawks outshot WU 29-8 for the game, including 11-3 in shots on goal. Willamette's starting goalkeeper, Braydon Calder (Jr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) registered six saves. He allowed the first goal, but stopped Loras for the next 60+ minutes before leaving the game at 76:11.

Alan Hernandez (Fr., F, Tigard, OR/Tigard HS), who scored the Bearcats' goal in a 2-1 double-overtime loss at Lake Forest College (Ill.) on Friday, led the Bearcats in Sunday's game with four total shots. Two of his shots were on goal, but were stopped by LC goalie Sean Elvert, who achieved three saves overall.

Willamette will complete its road trip with a game against Carthage College (Wis.) on Monday, Sept. 1. Game time in Kenosha, Wis., is set for 11:30 a.m. CDT/9:30 a.m. PDT.