Kim Scores in First Half to Send Bearcats to 1-0 Win at Pacific

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- Sean Kim (Fy., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) scored a goal in the first half, and the Willamette University defense shut out Pacific University, as the Bearcats defeated the Boxers, 1-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Sunday, March 14 at Hanson Stadium. With the victory, Willamette improved to 3-0 on the season, 3-0 in the NWC. Pacific fell to 1-3 overall and to 1-3 in the NWC.

Kim earned his third goal of the season at 23:51. He also scored two goals against Pacific in the Bearcats' 6-0 win at Sparks Field on Feb. 28.

The successful shot by Kim on Sunday was the Bearcats' fifth attempt at the goal in the first 24 minutes. Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) missed high at 7:04. Carter McCleary (Sr., F, Port Hadlock, WA/Chimacum HS) forced a save by goalkeeper Connor Matto at 9:08. Jett Starr (Fy., M, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) missed wide right at 9:41, and Samuel Twenhafel (Fy., M, Anchorage, AK/South Anchorage HS) took a shot at 10:38 that was saved by Matto.

Pacific's Nico Allen created a shot at 17:05, but WU goalkeeper Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) responded with a save. Kim scored less than seven minutes later.

Willamette outshot Pacific, 10-3, for the game, including 6-2 in shots on goal. Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) took two shots for the Bearcats, while eight other Willamette players each contributed one shot. The Bearcats attained an 8-3 margin in corner kicks.

Richard-Bassett played the first half in the net for Willamette and registered two saves. Pierluca Carnovale (Fy., Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) was in goal for WU in the second half, but did not have to make a save, as the Boxers managed only one shot in the final 45 minutes.

Matto provided the Boxers with two saves in the first half. Cole Stritzke made three saves for Pacific in the second half.

The Bearcats have outscored their opponents 9-1 so far this season and hold a 38-11 edge in shots on goal. WU owns a 21-5 edge in shots on target. Willamette's defense has achieved a 0.33 team goals against average.

Willamette is set to host nearby rival Linfield University on Wednesday, March 17. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PDT).