Kaufman Scores Twice in 2-2 Tie versus Southwestern

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

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS -- Erik Kaufman (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored two goals for Willamette University -- the 23rd and 24th of his career -- and the Bearcats tied Southwestern University (Texas) in men's soccer on Saturday, Sept. 1. Kaufman's second goal, scored 7:29 into the first overtime, gave WU a 2-1 lead. The Pirates tied the game on a goal with 1:16 left in the second overtime.

With the tie, Willamette is 0-1-1 on its season-opening road trip to Texas. The Bearcats will play at Trinity University (Texas) on Monday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. CDT/12 p.m. PDT. Trinity is tied for #4 in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Southwestern moved to 1-0-1 on the season.

Kaufman scored the game's first goal for the Bearcats just 6:20 into the first half. Yazan Hishmeh (Fr., F, Ventura, CA/St. Bonaventure HS) assisted on the play. Neither team scored over the duration of the first half or for most of the second half.

Southwestern eventually tied the score when Ryan Staten converted a penalty kick at 81:09. It was the third penalty kick goal against Willamette in its first two games of the season.

Kaufman brought Willamette back into the lead when he scored his second goal more than halfway through the first overtime at 97:29. He was assisted by Hishmeh and Adan Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS).

Southwestern tallied the final goal at 108:44 in the second overtime. Kyle Allen scored the goal for the Pirates on an unassisted play.

The Pirates claimed a 20-9 advantage in total shots, but both teams had six shots on goal. Evan Perkins took seven shots for Southwestern, while teammate Eimothy Eamma registered five total shots. Kaufman was one of three Bearcats with two shots apiece.

SU gained a 7-5 edge in corner kicks. Willamette was called for 11 fouls and Southwestern was whistled for nine fouls.

WU starting goalkeeper Bradley Eckerson (Sr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS, played the first 90 minutes and recorded one save. Brayden Calder (Fr., GK, Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) played in goal for the Bearcats during the overtime sessions. Calder registered two saves. Daniel Poole of Southwestern produced four saves while playing all 110 minutes.