Bearcats Win Alumni Game, 3-1, in Men's Soccer

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

SALEM, ORE. -- A goal late in the first half by Adan Vazquez (Sr., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS), plus goals in the second half from Julian Hanlon-Austin (Fr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) and Will O'Neil (Sr., F, Vashon, WA/Vashon Island HS), led the Willamette University men's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over the Willamette Alumni, on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Sparks Field.

The Bearcats led 3-0 late in the game before Dirk Hmura scored for the alumni on a penalty kick at 88:16.

Vazquez got the scoring underway at the 41:26 mark, when he scored from about 12 yards out. The unassisted goal created a 1-0 halftime lead for the Bearcats. Vazquez almost score again 3:35 into the second half, when his shot from 15 yards hit the left upright.

Just a few minutes later, Willamette extended its lead to 2-0 over the Alumni. O'Neil sent a lengthy pass from the left side set up Hanlon-Austin, who gained control of the ball and sent a 15-yard shot into the net at 51:06.

Less than four minutes later at 54:57, O'Neil and Hanlon-Austin struck again. This time, Hanlon-Austin started the play by crossing the ball from about 18 yards out on the right side. O'Neil received the pass in open space and scored from 10 yards.

Hmura, who had two quality shots saved in the first half, provided the Alumni with their only goal. Mike McGrew was fouled near the top of the penalty box with 1:44 remaining. A penalty kick was awarded and Hmura scored on the penalty shot.

Players for the Alumni team included: Daniel Barry, Robin Chon, Etienne Galbreath, Dirk Hmura, Mike Hmura, Timothy Ikehara-Martin, Mike McGrew, Michael Rodriguez, Ryan Schroeder and Patrick Yagi.

The Willamette men's soccer team will play another exhibition game tomorrow (Sunday, Aug. 25) against the University of Fraser Valley (Canada). Kickoff at Sparks Field is set for 1 p.m. (PDT).