Bearcats Pile Up Goals in 5-1 Victory over Northwest University

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Erik Kaufman (Sr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS) and Tyler Yates (Fr., F, Kailua-Kona, HI/Kealakehe HS) each scored a goal and an assist to help Willamette University defeat Northwest University, 5-1, on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Sparks Field. Willamette evened its record at 2-2 on the season, while Northwest fell to 2-1-1.

The Bearcats led 2-0 at halftime and held a 3-0 lead before Northwest tallied its only goal of the game on a shot by Nickey Ricks at 61:36. Will O'Neil (Jr., F, Vashon, WA/Vashon Island HS) scored for Willamette just 1:25 later, and Robin Hryciuk (Jr. D, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) completed the scoring for the Bearcats at 80:15.

Willamette outshot the Eagles 10-4 overall, including a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Bearcats had 10 players with one shot each.

The first goal of the game was scored on a corner kick that went off a Northwest defender and into the net at 38:13. Trevor Jensen (Jr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) took the corner kick for Willamette that led to the own goal.

WU took significant momentum into halftime after Yates scored on a counter-attack with 18 seconds left in the first period.

Etienne Galbreath (Sr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) began the fast-break by passing to Adan Vazquez (Jr., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS). Vazquez continued the quick attack with a long through-pass to Yates, who shot from 18 yards past on-rushing goalie Joe Galbraith.

The Bearcats' third goal was scored at 58:08 by Kaufman on a redirection of a free kick by Jensen. Kaufman's deflection was just five yards in front of the goal. Although Galbraith made contact with the ball he couldn't prevent it from going into the net. It was Kaufman's 25th career goal for Willamette.

A corner kick led to Northwest's goal a few minutes later. Corey Wyatt took the kick and the ball was headed-on by Josh Peters. Ricks headed the ball into the net from three yards out near the far post.

Willamette regained a three-goal cushion when O'Neil intercepted a pass intended for Galbraith and scored from 16 yards into an empty net at 63:01.

Hryciuk registered WU's final score on a 7-yard shot. The play began with a free kick taken by Yates from the right side of the field about 25 yards from the end line. His pass was flicked on by Kaufman near the penalty spot. Hryciuk trapped the ball and then shot toward the right post.

Goalkeeper Brayden Calder (Fr., Philomath, OR/Philomath HS) of Willamette achieved three saves while earning the win. Galbraith earned two saves for the Eagles.

Willamette will play at home again on Sunday, Sept. 9, when the Bearcats host Walla Walla University. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 3 p.m. (PDT).