Puget Sound Downs Willamette, 1-0, in Women's Soccer

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound defeated Willamette University, 1-0, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game at Peyton Field on Saturday, October 20. The Loggers improved to 9-3-1 on the season, including 8-1-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 5-10-1 overall, 3-8-1 in the NWC.

Robin Vieira scored the game's only goal for Puget Sound partway through the first half at 17:43. The play began with a crossing pass from Haley Rosenberg before Vieira headed the ball past Willamette goalkeeper Nicole Price (Jr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS).

The score remained 1-0 at halftime, although the Loggers held a 9-1 advantage in total shots at the break. Neither team was able to create a goal in the second half, as Vieira's early score held up for Puget Sound.

Goalkeeper Kara Merfeld made one save while recording the shutout for UPS. The Loggers outshot Willamette 15-4, including a 6-1 edge in shots on goal. UPS also held a 4-3 margin in corner kicks.

Price finished with five saves for the Bearcats, as she stopped three shots in the first half and two shots in the final 45 minutes.

Ashland Bernard (So., F, Kirkland, WA/Juanita HS) led WU with two shots, including a shot on goal. Amalia Acorda-Fey topped the Loggers with four total shots, while Vieira and Theresa Henle each achieved three shots during the game.

UPS holds third place in the NWC standings with its 8-1-1 record and 25 points, but the Loggers are just one point behind co-leaders Linfield College and Whitworth University. The Wildcats and the Pirates own identical 8-1-2 records in conference play for 26 points apiece. Puget Sound has six NWC games remaining, while Linfield and Whitworth each have five games left.

Willamette will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 27, when the Bearcats will host Whitworth at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).