Box Score
SALEM –
Devin Shull (So., Seattle, Wash.) initiated the game-tying goal then scored the game-winning goal in the second half as Pacific ended a six-match losing streak with a 2-1 Northwest Conference victory at Willamette Saturday.
After six straight losses at home, where the Boxers (1-2 NWC, 1-6 overall) have been unbeatable in recent years, Pacific was victorious in its first trip away from Lincoln Park Stadium this season. The Bearcats (1-2, 2-3-1) were coming off an upset victory over NWC favorite Pacific Lutheran and flying high.
Down 1-0 at half, the Boxers attacked aggressively over the final 45 minutes and utilized the size advantage presented by the 6-foot-7 Shull, who drew extra defensive attention on set plays, eventually too much attention.
“Shull was fouled in the box by three of their defenders on a corner,” said Pacific head coach Jim Brazeau. “He had guys on him the whole time because he's so big. Obviously he's a big target for us to get offensive opportunities and other teams having to deal with him.”
That foul in the 48th minute led to a
Patrick Murray (Sr., Hillsboro, Ore.) penalty kick that tied the score at 1-1.
Offensive opportunities were not abundant as the teams combined for just eight shots on goal, five by Pacific. Willamette converted early, with Adan Vazquez scoring from the six-yard box off an assist by Erik Kaufman. The Boxers first shot of the match didn't come until the 21st minute.
Ian Ward (Fr., Chehalis, Wash.) nearly put Pacific on the board at that time, but found the post rather than the back of the net. Murray nailed the crossbar with a strike in the final five minutes of the half.
Pacific's consistent pressure finally paid dividends in the 71st minute of play, when
Victor Wilson (So., Juneau, Alaska) played a ball back across the box to Shull, who punched in his second goal of the season to lift the Boxers to that elusive first victory.
“[Devin] took a great shot from the top, tucked it inside the left post,” said Brazeau. “Very composed finish. We'd been attacking them very steadily throughout the second half.”
Willamette could muster only one shot over the final 20 minutes and Boxer goalkeeper Mike Summers (So., Beaverton, Ore.) stepped in for his second and final save, collecting his first collegiate victory in goal.
“We played well today,” said Brazeau. “We've played well the past three games and today found a way to get a result that was desperately needed.”
The Boxers will return to action Sunday at Linfield at 2:30 p.m., the second of five consecutive road matches.
