Ali Scores Twice as Bearcats Roll Past Linfield, 7-0, at Sparks Field

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Abdul Ali (So., D, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS) scored two goals on headers and Ryan Sato (Jr., MF, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) added a goal and two assists, as Willamette University routed Linfield University, 7-0, in men's soccer on Wednesday, March 17. The Northwest Conference win advanced Willamette's record to 4-0 overall, 4-0 in the NWC. Linfield dropped to 2-3 overall, 2-3 in NWC action.

Sato gave WU an early 1-0 advantage at the 6:49 mark when he converted a penalty kick. Sato was fouled in the penalty area. His penalty shot went into the lower right corner of the goal.

Josh Schneider (Jr., F, Washougal, WA/Camas HS) upped the lead to 2-0 at 27:30 on a nifty shot from 20 yards toward the upper left corner of the net. He was assisted on the play by Sato, who provided a lengthy pass from near the midfield stripe.

The final goal of the first half was scored by Ali at 32:56. He also scored the opening goal of the second half at 67:53. Both goals were recorded on headers from four yards out after corner kicks. Ali's first goal was assisted by Sato, while Ali's second goal was assisted by Bryan Nicolas (Fy., M, Salem, OR/McKay HS).

Willamette's lead surged to 5-0 just over a minute later at 69:00 on a goal by Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS). Gallaway scored from a 23-yard free kick as he sent the ball into the upper right corner.

Simon Kidder (Fy., M, Bend, OR/Summit HS) tacked on WU's sixth goal at 73:41 on a penalty kick. His shot went into the upper netting about a yard inside the right post. Max Brown (So., F, Morgan Hills, CA/Ann Sobrato HS) completed the scoring at 89:56 on a shot from five yards out near the right post. He sent the ball back across the goal and into the lower left corner.

The Bearcats attained a 24-5 lead in total shots and a 15-3 advantage in shots on goal. WU also accumulated a 6-2 margin in corner kicks.

Willamette's starting goalkeeper, Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) did not need to make a save in the first half. Pierluca Carnovale (Fy., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) earned three saves for the Bearcats in the second half. Linfield goalie Julian Inches recorded six saves in the first half. He was replaced by Peyton Frazier in the second half. Frazier made two saves.

In just a few days, the Bearcat and the Wildcats will meet again. The rematch is set for Sunday, March 21 on the Linfield campus in McMinnville, Oregon. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. (PDT).