Bearcats Lose to California Lutheran in Final Game of Road Trip

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Willamette University held California Lutheran University to one goal in the first half, but the Regals scored two goals in the first nine minutes of the second half to defeat the visiting Bearcats 3-0 on Sunday, Sept. 3 at William Rolland Stadium. Willamette fell to 0-2 on the season after opening the schedule with two games in Southern California. CLU advanced its record to 1-0-1.

The WU defense bent but didn't allow the Regals the score for much of the first half. California Lutheran's lone goal of the half was scored by Avery West at 26:43. Willamette prevented CLU from expanding the lead before the halftime break. The Regals outshot the Bearcats 10-0 during the half, including six shots on goal. Sam Borngasser (Jr., GK, Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass HS) entered the halftime break with five saves for Willamette.

Allie Lam scored a goal for California Lutheran just 1:09 into the second half, as the Regals claimed a 2-0 lead. About seven-and-a-half minutes later, Isabella Veljacic scored the game's final goal at 53:48. Anna Evenson provided an assist for the Regals.

Borngasser played the first 62:14 of the game. She accumulated eight saves. Siera Edwards (So., GK, Portland, OR/Sunset HS) went in goal for the final 27:46 and registered two saves.

Erin Denney (So., M, San Diego, CA/Point Loma HS) led Willamette with two total shots and placed both shots on goal. Willamette took four shots overall, including three shots on target. California Lutheran finished with 21 total shots and 13 shots on goal. The Regals gained a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The Bearcats will play their home opener on Friday, Sept. 8 against the University of La Verne. Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT.