Bearcats and Boxers Finish in 2-2 Tie in Two-Overtimes at Sparks Field

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Emmy Manset (Sr., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) of Willamette University scored the game-tying goal with 8:55 left in regulation and the Bearcats went on to finish in a 2-2 tie aftere two scoreless overtimes against Pacific University, on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Sparks Field. The Bearcats outshot the Boxers 36-10 overall and 18-3 in shots on goal.

Willamette moved to 11-4-3 on the season, 8-4-2 in the Northwest Conference. Pacific ended the game at 0-14-3 overall, 0-11-2 in the NWC.

The Bearcats dominated the game in the early going and held a 10-1 edge in shots and a 4-0 margin in corner kicks just over 21 minutes into the game. Pacific scored the game's first goal against the run of play, when an inadvertent handball by the Bearcats near the top corner of the penalty area led to a penalty kick at 26:02. Kayla Mizo converted the kick to give the Boxers and 1-0 lead.

Pacific gained some strength from the goal and the Boxers took three shots during the remainder of the half. Willamette owned a 12-4 advantage in shots at halftime, but held a much closer 3-2 margin in shots on goal.

Willamette tied the score just over three minutes into the second half on a goal by Yume Matsuyama (So., Saitama, Japan/Bunkyo Gakuin Univ. Girls HS) at 48:11. The scoring play began with a shot by Manset that ws saved by Pacific goalie Ariela Bali. The rebound popped all the way out to the top of the box. Matsuyama gained control, dribbled a few yard closer to the goal and shot from 15-yard into the lower right corner of the net. Manset earned an assist on the play.

The next five shots were by the Bearcats, including three attempts that required saves by Baili. As in the first half, Pacific countered with the go-ahead goal. Kira Negrete scored the goal after moving around defenders and shooting from 17 yards to the right corner of the net at 67:54.

Just moments after the goal, Shanna Keil (So., M, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) and Marley Duncan (Sr., F, Pukalani, HI/Kamehameha School) of Willamette each hit the crossbar on consecutive shots at 68:20 and 68:24. Continued pressure from the Bearcats eventually led to the goal by Manset at 81:05. Manset went around a defender at the top of the box and shot from 13 yards. The ball crossed the goal line low and near the left post. Manset leads the NWC with 11 goals on the season.

Willamette managed to create five more shots in regulation, but Bali registered four saves. The Bearcats outshot the Boxers 5-2 in the first overtime and 2-1 in the second overtime. Bali tacked on three saves in the first extra session and one in the second overtime to end the match with 16 saves. WU goalkeeper Kristen Barclay (So., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School) made just one save during the game. Barclay's save was on a shot by Bella Jackson just 2:50 after the opening kickoff.

Manset topped all players with eight total shots -- all on target. Shanna Keil took eight total shots for the Bearcats. Mzio led Pacific with two total shots, including one shot on goal.

The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 4 for Senior Day at Sparks Field against University of Puget Sound. Game time is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).