SALEM, Ore. -- The Loggers win their first Northwest Conference game of the season, coming back against Willamette to win 2-1.
How it Happened
After earning a tie in their first three games of the season, the Loggers got back in the win column with a win over the Bearcats. The game got of to a slow start, as the Loggers didn't record a shot until the 13th minute of the match. Willamette got on the front foot early, recording four shots in the first 15 minutes, and forcing a
Paxton Rose save in the 18th minute. The Bearcats struck first, scoring in the 21st to go up 1-0.
The rest of the first half was a hard-fought battle, as both teams worked the possession game. Rose recorded his second save of the match in the 33rd minute keeping it a 1-0 game. Solid defense was played by Puget Sound to end the half, as they were able to head into halftime only down one.
The second half was lively, as Puget Sound started to press on the gas.
Vinny Self had a shot blocked following an early corner kick, with each team picking up a yellow card in the ensuing minutes. The Loggers got their first chance of the game, as a Willamette foul in the box set up a penalty kick. Senior
Rhys Foote was cool, calm, and collected, and tied the game at one apiece at the spot.
The Bearcats started to put on the pressure, looking for the tie-breaking goal. Rose and the Logger defense held steady, though, as they were able to keep the aggressive Bearcats off the scoresheet. In the 84th minute, the Loggers got another chance in the box, as
Lupin Paz was taken down in the box on a Logger fast break, giving the Loggers a late penalty kick. Foote stepped up yet again, scoring his second PKl of the game to give the Loggers a 2-1 lead.
The Bearcats had a chance with 28 seconds to go, but a final save by Rose kept the ball out of the net. Puget Sound takes this one, 2-1.
What Happens Next
The Loggers head back down to Oregon to play Linfield on Saturday, October 3rd. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm.
