Goal by Moore Sends Willamette Past Pacific, 1-0

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

FOREST GROVE, ORE. -- Megan Moore (Fr., MF/D, Tigard, OR/Tigard HS) has been playing increased minutes as a substitute on the Willamette University women's soccer team in recent games. At Pacific University on Sunday, Nov. 2, Moore took advantage of her playing time to score the game's only goal with 6:18 left, as the Bearcats downed the Boxers, 1-0.

Willamette improved to 11-7 on the season, including 9-5 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats clinched a winning season and remained in the running for second place in the NWC standings. Pacific fell to 5-12-1 overall, 4-9-1 in the NWC.

Moore's goal was scored on a shot from three yards out at 83:42. The goal was unassisted and was the first goal for Moore as a WU freshman this season.

Moore has played in 17 of 18 games for the 'Cats this year. She has been on the field for at least 45 minutes in each of the last six games, with at least 75 minutes played the past three games.

Willamette finished the contest with a 13-10 advantage in total shots over the Boxers. WU also led 8-3 in shots on goal. Brittney Hewitt (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Central Catholic HS) took two shots on goal for Willamette, while seven other Bearcats each earned one shot on goal.

Goalkeeper Kelli Gano (Jr., Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) provided WU with three saves on her way to her sixth shutout win of the season. The Bearcats have won six games by 1-0 margins and are 9-4 in one-goal games. Erin Ichimura of Pacific recorded seven saves for the Boxers.

The Bearcats swept the season series with Pacific, as WU claimed a pair of 1-0 victories. In the earlier win on Oct. 4, Kelsey Rogel (Sr., D, Tacoma, WA/Bellarmine Prep) scored the game's only goal midway through the first half.

Willamette is now just one point out of second place in the NWC. The University of Puget Sound holds first place with a 14-0 record for 42 points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie). Whitworth University is second at 9-4-1 and 28 points. Willamette is third with a record of 9-5 and 27 points. WU is five points in front of Whitman College (7-6-1, 22 points) and six points in front of George Fox University (7-6, 21 points).

The Bearcats will play their next game at Sparks Field on Wednesday, Nov. 5 against nearby rival Linfield College. Game time for the Senior Night match-up is set for 5 p.m. (PST). WU will close out the regular season at Puget Sound on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. (PST).