SALEM, Ore. — Christopher Barnes made his first goal of the year count in a big way, accounting for the only score of the day during a 1-0 Willamette win over Pacific in men's soccer action on Sunday afternoon.

The victory at Sparks Field in Salem gave the host Bearcats a season split against the Boxers — Pacific won in Forest Grove 1-0 earlier this season. Willamette improved to 3-7-1 in the Northwest Conference and to 4-10-2 on the year. Pacific is now also 3-7-1 in the NWC and is 5-10-1 overall.

Barnes scored off a Bearcat corner kick from Noah Walin in the 60th minute. Braydon Calder had a pair of saves and recorded the shutout in the goal for Willamette.

"We started off the match well, one of our best beginnings of the year," said head coach Eric Mild. "It was a good match and Willamette played very well on their Senior Day. It was a physical battle. The lone goal that they score, we broke down defensively and that obviously was the difference in the match."

The Boxers had two shots on goal, while the Bearcats had four. Willamette had 17 total shots to Pacific's three.

"Overall, I was pleased with our play," Mild continued. "We look forward to our final home weekend of the season, and we look to finish strong."

The Boxers will return home for its final two home matches of the year next weekend. They will host Pacific Lutheran on Saturday (Oct. 31) at 1:30 p.m. and Puget Sound on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.