Warner Pacific Defeats Willamette, 5-1, in Men's Soccer

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University and Warner Pacific College were tied 1-1 heading into the final 10 minutes of the first half, but the Knights scored two times in the final seven minutes of the period and went on to defeat the Bearcats, 5-1, on the first day of the Capital Cup at Warrior Field. Warner Pacific improved to 1-1 on the season, while Willamette fell to 0-1.

Luis Galvan netted the game's first goal for Warner Pacific at 12:30. He was assisted on the play by Alija Sacirovic.

Nick Forbes (Sr., F, Carbondale, CO/Colorado Rocky Mountain School) scored WU's only goal at 24:42 to tie the game. He was assisted on the play by Casey Dineen (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS). Forbes scored on a header in a pack of players only a few yards in front of the net.

WPC moved back in front at 38:01 on a goal by Davor Lukic. The Knights increased their advantage to 3-1 about two and a half minutes later when Alija Sacirovic scored at 40:37, after receiving a through pass from Evan Lehner.

Sacirovic also connected for Warner's fourth tally at 56:58 on another assist from Lehner. The game's final goal was recorded by Lehner -- on an assist from Sacirovic -- at 63:33.

Sacirovic finished with two goals and two assists to pace the Knights. Lehner added one goal and two assists.

The Knights outshot Willamette, 18-11, including 12-5 in shots on goal. WU goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Jr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) registered four saves in the first half, while reserve goalie Even Hellekson (So., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) earned two saves for the Bearcats over the final 45 minutes. Ted Latta of WPC was credited with four saves.

Willamette and Corban are co-hosting the Capital Classic. The event moves to Willamette's Sparks Field on Saturday, Aug. 30. George Fox University and Warner Pacific will play at 4:30 p.m. (PDT), followed by Willamette versus Corban at 7 p.m.