Chapman Nips Willamette in Overtime, 2-1

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

ORANGE, CALIF. -- Erik Kaufman (Fr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) of Willamette University scored at 88:01 to force overtime against Chapman University on Sunday, Sept. 7, but the host Panthers prevailed, 2-1, on a goal by Dean Sewitz with only four seconds remaining in the first extra session. Chapman improved to 2-1 on the season, while Willamette dropped to 1-3.

Kaufman's goal with just under two minutes left in regulation was his third goal in as many games. He scored the only goal by either team in WU's 1-0 victory over Corban College on Aug. 30, then created a goal in the Bearcats' 2-1 loss at Pomona-Pitzer on Sept. 6. Against Chapman, his accurate shot tied the game at 1-1. Kaufman was assisted on the play by Ross Vartain (So., F, Palo Alto, CA/Mid-Peninsula HS).

Neither team scored in the first half and the game remained scoreless until Chapman took a 1-0 lead at 70:29. Jeff Shah tallied the opening goal for CU after receiving a pass from Chris Duran. The Panthers appeared headed for a regulation victory until Kaufman's equalizer.

In overtime, Willamette outshot Chapman, 4-1. The Bearcats had several quality chances, but couldn't hit the net before the unassisted goal by Sewitz at 99:56.

Vartain had a shot blocked at 93:10. Casey Dineen (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) hit the crossbar just 14 seconds later and Vartain sent the ball high at 94:56. Luke Lagattuta (Jr., D, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) took a shot at 99:16, but Chapman's goalie, Jimmy Adranly recorded a save. Forty seconds later, Sewitz hit the game-winning shot for CU.

The Panthers finished the game with a 17-11 edge in total shots and owned a 7-5 margin in shots on goal. Vartain took four of Willamette's shots, while Kaufman and Ivan Gutierrez (Sr., MF, Stayton, OR/Cathedral Prep) finished with two shots apiece. Sewitz led Chapman's lineup with four shots.

Adranly, who replaced starting goalie Tyler Hadzinsky at halftime, finished with three saves for CU. Hadzinsky added one save. For Willamette, Mark Bennett (Jr., GK, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) played the first 45 minutes and registered three saves, while Eben Hellekson (So., GK/MF, Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) was in net for the final 55 minutes and earned two saves.

The Bearcats do not play again until an exhibition match against Chemeketa Community College on Monday, Sept. 15. Game time at Sparks Field on the WU campus is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).