Willamette Falls to Bushnell in Women's Soccer Exhibition Game, 2-1

Aanya Friedeman, middle, moves away from a line of players to find open space on a free kick. Photo courtesy of Bushnell Athletics. — Aanya Friedeman (Sr., M, Camas, WA/Camas HS), Photo courtesy of Bushnell Athletics.

August 28, 2022

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

EUGENE, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team saw its first action of the 2022 season on Sunday, Aug. 28 as the Bearcat played at Bushnell University in an exhibition game for both teams. The host Beacons defeated the Bearcats 2-0 at Civic Park.

Willamette, which is a member of NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference, was playing its first exhibition game of the season. WU will host crosstown rival Corban University in another exhibition game on Tuesday, Aug. 31 at Sparks Field at 6 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats will open the regular season against Warner Pacific University at Sparks Field on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. (PDT).

Bushnell, which competes in the NAIA and the Cascade Collegiate Conference, remained 0-2 on the season after playing against NAIA opponents on Aug. 19 and Aug. 24.

In Sunday's game, the Beacons registered goals early in each half of play. During the first half, Sydney Petersen scored for Bushnell at the 13:42 mark on an assist from Blake Danna. The Beacons maintained their 1-0 lead at halftime, and extended it 4:27 into the second half on a goal by Emily Puita. Brooke Molina was credited with an assist on the second goal.

Willamette and Bushnell each took nine shots during the game, but the Bearcats earned a 5-3 edge in total shots during the second half. Bushnell finished the game with a 5-2 lead in shots on target, while WU recorded a 7-4 margin in corner kicks, including a 6-3 advantage in the first half.

Puita of Bushnell topped all players with four total shots and three shots on goal. Aanya Friedeman (Sr., M, Camas, WA/Camas HS) led Willamette with three total shots, including one shot on goal. Clara Mattison (Sr., M, Burlington, WA/Burlington Edison HS) added two shots -- one on goal -- for the Bearcats.

Bushnell goalkeeper Madison Bender earned two saves while playing all 90 minutes to claim the shutout. WU goalie Krystal Maxey (Fy., La Habra, CA/Sonora HS) played all 90 minutes and contributed three saves.