Richard-Bassett Earns NWC Defensive Honor for Second Week in a Row

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) of Willamette University has been chosen Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for the second consecutive week after earning the win in the Bearcats' 6-1 victory over Linfield University on Sunday, April 4. Willamette improved to 7-0 on the season, 7-0 in the NWC.

Richard-Bassett played the entire first half and left the game with WU leading 5-1. He registered three saves, including a couple of spectacular saves. He allowed a goal on a penalty kick that cut the lead to 2-1 at the 9:47 mark, but worked with the other defenders to shut out Linfield in the run of play. It was Willamette's only game during the week.

"I'm really happy for Anthony's continued recognition as an impact player in our defensive efforts," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Jared Rust commented. "Anthony had some key saves in our match versus Linfield, and nearly saved the penalty kick as well."

Richard-Bassett is 6-0 on the season with a 0.29 goals against average that leads the NWC. He also ranks first in the conference with a .900 save percentage.

The Bearcats will conclude the season on Thursday, April 8 with a game at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m (PDT).