Rivas Delgado Scores with 1:57 Left as Bearcats Tie Fraser Valley, 2-2, in Exhibition

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Julian Rivas Delgado (Fy., F, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) scored with 1:57 remaining in regulation, sending Willamette University to a 2-2 tie with the University of the Fraser Valley (Canada), in a men's soccer exhibition game at Sparks Field on Friday, Aug. 26. The Bearcats rallied from a 2-1 deficit after Pambir Kular of Fraser Valley connected on a goal at 67:22.

Willamette competes in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference. Fraser Valley is a member of the Canada West conference within U Sports. The game was played under this year's new NCAA rule in which games are stopped at the end of regulation if the score is tied except for postseason tournaments.

"We were focused on gathering information on all players tonight, as we have a deep team, and a lot of decisions to make moving forward on who we believe can step on the field and consistently make a difference," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman said. "Some of the individual performances answered a lot of questions. We responded well both times we went down a goal. The chances we conceded are mistakes we need to fix, and we could have been much more dangerous going forward. Overall, I think we achieved what we wanted on the day, even though we have to improve, quickly."

Fraser Valley tallied the game's first goal at 16:40 on a shot by Nicolas Burrett. The ball went to Burrett following a turnover by the Bearcats about 35 yards out. Burrett charged forward and shot from 17 yards out near the left edge of the penalty area. His shot found the lower right corner of the goal. Willamette equalized the score at 1-1 as the clock reached 29:30 on a shot by Jett Starr (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) from 12 yards in the middle of the box. He shot the ball into the lower middle portion of the goal. Andrew Reed (So., M, Portland, OR/Franklin HS) earned an assist on the play after setting up Starr with a cross from the right side.

The teams remained tied at halftime, but Willamette held a 10-3 advantage in total shots and a 4-1 edge in shots on goal. UFV starting goalkeeper Jackson Cowx registered three saves in the first half, before Jackson Lau took over in goal for the Cascades to open the second half.

Kular's shot that regained the lead for Fraser Valley was a scorcher from 19 yards out and level with the left post. The ball went on a straight and low path into the net near the left post. The goal followed a corner kick that deflected out of the penalty area and fell to Kular.

The game-tying goal by Rivas Delgado was scored from four yards out near the left post. Rivas Delgado received the ball on a lengthy pass from the midfield by Edwin Ortiz (Sr., F, Salem, OR/North Salem HS). Delgado was able to trap the ball with a header and then shot for the net.

For the game, Willamette gained a 16-5 edge in total shots and a 6-3 margin in shots on target. Cowx led all goalies with his three saves for UFV. Carnovale of Willamette and Lau of Fraser Valley each recorded one save.

Willamette will return to action on Wednesday, Aug. 31 with a home exhibition game at Sparks Field against crosstown rival Corban University. Game time is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).