Puget Sound Slips Past Willamette, 1-0

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

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University Bearcats outshot the University of Puget Sound 18-10 and owned a 10-8 edge in shots on goal, but the Loggers prevailed 1-0 in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Sparks Field. USP moved to 5-5-2 on the season, 3-2-2 in the NWC, while Willamette fell to 2-8-1 overall, 1-5-1 in the NWC.

Kyle Johnson connected for the only goal just 16:05 into the game. He received a crossing pass from Eric Laukkanen and took a 5-yard shot from the left side of the field.

Johnson's goal stood up for the rest of the game, even though WU achieved a 10-5 advantage in total shots during the first half and an 8-5 edge over the final 45 minutes. Puget Sound goalkeeper Greg Saetrum was forced to make six saves in the first half and four in the second half.

Casey Dineen (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) and Nick Forbes (Sr., F, Carbondale, CO/Colorado Rocky Mountain School) led all players with six shots apiece. Forbes registered a game-high four shots on goal, while Dineen matches Johnson and Daniel Lee of UPS with three shots on target.

The Loggers ended the game with a total of four corner kicks. Willamette finished with two corner kicks.

WU goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Jr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) made seven saves. He lowered his goals against average for the season to 1.41. Bennett has achieved a .827 save percentage.

The Bearcats will travel to Spokane, Wash., for their next game, set for Saturday, Oct. 18 against NWC rival Whitworth University. Game time is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT). Willamette will remain on the road to play at Whitman College on Sunday, Oct. 19.