UC Santa Cruz Athletics
1-3-2, 0-0-0
Willamette
2-0-2, 0-0-0
High Scoring First Half Pushes Bearcats Past Banana Slugs
9/12/2022 9:28:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Beldner and Santiago connect on first goals of season
SALEM, OREGON- Paolo Santiago and Max Beldner each scored a goal in the first half of tonight's match against host Willamette University, but it was not enough as the Bearcats won 4-2.
The loss dropped the Banana Slugs to 1-3-2 on the season.
The Bearcats were up 3-0 in the first 21 minutes before UC Santa Cruz drew close. Santiago's goal came with 22:30 left in the first half off a headed pass from Beldner after a corner kick to trim the Bearcats' lead to 3-1. Beldner then would score on a headed floater with 11:51 left in the half off a Tanner Boyea pass to trim the Bearcats lead to one at 3-2.
In the second half, the action continued, and Ronaldo Nava almost tied the game late for the visitors, but his header with 7:44 left was saved. The Bearcats eventually would seal the game with their fourth score with 4:54 left.
The Bearcats had a 16-8 advantage in shots and a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. Nava led the Banana Slugs with two shots. Boyea had assists on both goals for his first career multi-assist game.
The Banana Slugs will next hit the pitch on Saturday as they will take on NAIA rival Menlo College in Atherton. Kickoff is set for 4 pm.
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Team Stats
Pierce Gallaway (5)
Shot from 19 yards at middle left into lower right corner
07:09
Jett Starr (3)
Assisted By: Hadyn Duncan , Ardem Baronian
Shot from 5 yards to lower right. Assists on cross by Baronian then header from Duncan.
18:07
Pierce Gallaway (5)
Assisted By: Ardem Baronian
Shot from 8 yards to lower right after free kick from right side near end line goes under wall.
21:07
Paolo Santiago (1)
Assisted By: Max Beldner , Tanner Boyea
Header from 2 yards near right post. Assists on header from left after corner from right.
22:30
Max Beldner (1)
Assisted By: Tanner Boyea
Header from 12 yards to lower right corner. Assist on free kick from 26 yards in middle.
33:09
Pierce Gallaway (5)
Free kick from 19 yards near the right edge of the arc deflects of a defender into lower left
85:06
