Eagles and Bearcats Battle to 1-1 Tie
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Willamette Univ. scored early and Northwest University scored late as the two teams battled to a 1-1 tie in a non-conference game this afternoon on the NU Athletic Field.
Willamette (1-0-1) scored just 49 seconds into the game as Robin Hryciuk put a pass up the middle to teammate Erik Kaufman as he split two Northwest defenders and chipped the ball over the outstretch arms of NU goalkeeper from 12 yards out. The Bearcats would maintain the lead for the next 81 minutes until Northwest’s Joel Pelton hit the game tying goal (81:49) from 10 yards out on the left side off an assist from Nickey Ricks. Each team had opportunities to score but was turned away by Willamette goalkeeper, Alfredo Zuniga, who had 7 saves and Northwest goalie, Joe Galbraith, who saved four for the Eagles.
Willamette had two chances at a game winner as Brendan Dineen’s header went high over the crossbar with 5:53 remaining and Kevin Martin’s blast was wide right a few seconds later. Adan Vasquez shot from the right side hit the crossbar at the 36:53 mark, just missing the goal net.
Northwest’s Todd Siedenburg missed the game winner with just 1:44 on the clock, but his shot from 10 yards out was blocked and deflected by Willamette’s Zuniga.
Northwest U. (0-0-2) outshot Willamette 18-12 with Joel Pelton’s 5 shots leading NU while Erik Kaufman had 4 shots for Willamette.
“Today we learned that a slow start in the back can cost you goals as it was in today’s game”, said Northwest head coach, Gary McIntosh. “Once we settled into the game and started to play our game we had most of the possession of play. The guys work rate today was good throughout the entire match. Drew Jensen in the back kept us in great shape and poised the entire match. For the guys to get the tying goal in the last few minutes of the game that was a credit to their work rate the entire match. It is still early in the season and we continue to learn how to play with one another.”
Northwest U. remains at home and will host the University of Great Falls on Monday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. Willamette returns to Salem, Ore., and will host Chemeketa CC in an exhibition match on September 8.