Bearcats Tie Cal State-East Bay in Season Opener

Willamette scores late in regulation to force overtime.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

SALEM, Ore. - Willamette senior midfielder Trevor Jones scored on an assist from Michael Rodrigues with just 6:04 remaining in regulation, as Willamette University forced overtime on its way to a 1-1 tie with California State University-East Bay, Friday at Sparks Field.

It was the season opener for both teams.

Neither team scored in the first half, although Willamette had a goal disallowed due to an offside violation.

The first goal of the game was scored by CSU-East Bay when Ante Jozinovic made an individual move near the penalty area, then sent the ball into the net at 63:14. Jones equalized with a header at 83:56.

CSU-East Bay outshot Willamette 23-8 during the contest, but the Pioneers held a smaller advantage in shots on goal at 8-4.

East Bay took eight shots in overtime, while Willamette managed just one shot during the extra sessions. Both teams had two corner kicks during the 20 minutes of extra time, as WU finished the game with a 5-4 margin in corners.

WU goalkeeper Scott Klein started his college career with a solid effort, as he provided the Bearcats with seven saves, including four during the overtime periods.

Kristopher Hall earned three saves for CSU-East Bay.

The tie allowed Willamette to end a 13-match losing streak since tying Whitman, 0-0, in Walla Walla, Wash., on Sept. 16, 2006.

Last year, the Bearcats lost 10 games by two goals or less, including five one-goal decisions.

Willamette will play at home again on Sunday, Sept. 2, when the University of California-Santa Cruz invades Sparks Field. Game time is set for noon.

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