Missionaries Defeat Bearcats in Walla Walla, 2-0

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

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Whitman College defeated visiting Willamette University, 2-0, in Northwest Conference men's soccer action on Sunday, Oct. 31. The Missionaries scored their first goal with just over four minutes remaining in the first half and added a second goal with 1:16 left in the game.

The win improved Whitman to 10-6-3 overall, including 8-3-2 in the NWC. Willamette ended the day at 3-12-3 on the season, 1-10-2 in the NWC.

John Fleming tallied the first goal at 40:58 after Whitman earned a corner kick. Jed Jacobson took the corner kick and Fleming headed the ball into the net from five yards out.

The Missionaries, despite building a 28-4 advantage in total shots and a 13-1 edge in shots on goal, could not produce a second goal until the closing minutes of the game. Conner Bottomly recorded the goal at 88:44 on a 20-yard shot from the right side. He was assisted by Riley Hernandez.

Willamette goalkeeper Eben Hellekson (Sr., Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) worked hard to keep the Bearcats in the game. He registered a total of 10 saves to match his career high, set against Pacific University on Sept. 26.

Leland Matthaeus led Whitman with seven shots while earning five shots on goal. Trevor Jensen (Fr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) took two shots for the Bearcats. Pete Kline (Sr., D, Cheyenne, WY/Cheyenne Central HS) achieved Willamette's only shot on goal.

The game featured a total of 22 fouls, six yellow cards and two red cards. Three players from each team received at least one card.

Whitman's first goal was scored less than two minutes after Willamette's Mike McGrew (So., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) was sent off for his second caution at 39:19. The second goal was scored with the Bearcats playing two men short after Etienne Galbreath was sent off with a second caution at 87:28.

Goalkeeper Michael Bathurst of Whitman earned one save while recording the shutout. The Missionaries have won five games in a row.

Willamette will conclude the season at Linfield College on Saturday, Nov. 6. Game time in McMinnville, Ore., is set for 6 p.m. (PDT).