Baronian Scores a Pair of Goals as Bearcats Rout Linfield, 6-1

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Ardem Baronian (So., M, Los Altos, CA/St. Francis HS) scored two goals and Jack Moothart (Sr., M, West Linn/West Linn HS) earned two assists to lead Willamette University to 6-1 win over Linfield University on Sunday, April 4 at Sparks Field. The Northwest Conference victory upped Willamette's record to 7-0 overall, 7-0 in the NWC. Linfield ended its schedule at 3-5 on the season, 3-5 in the NWC.

"I'm really proud of the group effort in today's great result," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Jared Rust said. "We were a bit thinner than usual in regards to available players and a handful of guys had to step up and perform. Everyone stayed committed to our game plan and executed very well."

Willamette scored the game's first two goals. Baronian hit the net just 1:52 into the action on a 9-yard shot into the upper left corner of the goal following a short pass from Sean Kim (Fy., M, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS). The second goal was recorded by Pierce Gallaway (So., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) on a penalty kick less than four minutes later at the 5:30 mark. Bryan Nicolas  (Fy., M, Salem, OR/McKay HS) of WU was fouled by Linfield goalie Julian Inches a few yards inside the top left edge of the penalty area. Gallaway placed the spot kick into the lower right corner.

"Bryan Nicolas and Ardem Baronian both had big roles in today's match," Rust commented. "Bryan create many goal-scoring opportunities for multiple teammates and drew the foul that gave us the penalty. Ardem scored twice and was very dangerous on the ball, creating quality chances for himself and those around him."

The Wildcats pulled within 2-1 when Romario Mendoza scored on a penalty kick at 9:47. Brian Hyun was fouled by Samuel Twenhafel (Fy., M, Anchorage, AK/South Anchorage HS) inside the right top edge of the 18-yard box to create the penalty kick opportunity. Mendoza's shot went into the lower left corner.

Baronian recorded his second goal for the Bearcats at 18:05 from five yards out into the lower middle of the goal after a shot by Moothart went off the crossbar. WU led 3-1.

Max Brown  (So., F, Morgan Hills, CA/Ann Sobrato HS) scored for Willamette at 44:25 on assists from Moothart and Vidhu Raj (Sr., M, Foster City, CA/San Mateo HS). Raj began the play with a long pass from Willamette's defensive half of the field that caught Moothart in stride. Moothart passed the ball from the left side to Baronian, who shot from 11 yards, placing the ball underneath Inches, who was charging out of the goal.

Willamette added a goal at 44:13 on a 12-yard shot by Josh Schneider (Jr., F, Washougal, WA/Camas HS) from the right side to the middle of the net. Gallaway provided an assist with a short through-pass. The Bearcats held a 5-1 advantage at halftime.

The game's final goal was scored by Kim at 71:28. He shot from 12 yards into the lower left corner of the goal after a pass from the left side by Twenhafel, who earned an assist.

WU outshot Linfield 20-13 overall and 10-5 in shots on goal. The Bearcats gained a 6-4 edge in corner kicks.

Anthony Richard-Bassett (Sr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) played the first half in goal for Willamette and Pierluca Carnovale (Fy., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) was in the net during the second half. They combined for a total of four saves, including several impressive stops. Richard-Bassett made three saves and Carnovale earned one save. For Linfield, Inches registered two save and played 77:10, while Cameron Perron provided two saves over the final 12:50.

During the game, a total of five yellow cards and one red card were issued. Edwin Ortiz (So., M, Salem, OR/North Salem HS) of WU received the red card at 73:49.

The Bearcats will close out the season with a game at George Fox University on Thursday, April 8. Game time in Newberg, Oregon, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (PDT).