COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. — Walla Walla University's men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Evergreen State College on Sunday afternoon, using an early goal and a strong defensive performance to secure the Cascade Collegiate Conference win.
The Wolves (3-5-3, 3-2-3 CCC) finished with 19 shots, including eight on goal, while limiting the Geoducks (4-6-3, 2-6-1 CCC) to 12 shots and six on target. Walla Walla goalkeeper Sebas Vargas made six saves to record the shutout.
Walla Walla created an early opportunity in the fourth minute when
Jose Roblero struck the crossbar. The Wolves continued to pressure the Evergreen defense, with
Diego Gutierrez and
Cai Calvo also putting shots on goal in the opening minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute.
Mauro Garrote assisted
Gabriel Delgadillo, who found the back of the net in the 16
th minute to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. Walla Walla continued to generate chances throughout the first half, but Evergreen goalkeeper Tom Cole made several saves to keep the Geoducks within one goal.
Evergreen also threatened before halftime. The Geoducks tested Vargas with attempts from Angel Sandoval and other attackers, while Evergreen defender Daniel Aguilar Fuentes made a defensive save on a shot by Garrote late in the first half to keep the deficit at one.
The Wolves carried their advantage into the second half, where both teams continued to look for scoring opportunities. Walla Walla generated pressure through Garrote, Roblero and
Paulo Tostado, while Evergreen worked to find an equalizer.
The Geoducks had a significant opportunity in the 67th minute after earning a penalty kick. Luca Viana took the attempt, but Vargas made the save to preserve Walla Walla's 1-0 lead. The stop helped the Wolves maintain their advantage as the game entered its final stages.
Evergreen continued to push forward, but Walla Walla's defense held firm. Vargas made additional saves late in the second half to keep the Geoducks off the scoreboard.
Walla Walla finished with a 19-12 advantage in total shots and an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Evergreen recorded six corner kicks to the Wolves' three. Cole finished with seven saves for the Geoducks, while Vargas made six saves over 90 minutes for Walla Walla.
Delgadillo scored the game-winning goal, with Garrote providing the assist. The victory improved the Wolves to 3-2-3 in conference play.
UP NEXT: Walla Walla will host Carroll College on Friday, Oct. 23, at 2:30 p.m.
