WHITMAN 1, GEORGE FOX 0: Free Kick and Defense Lift Missionaries by Bruins

NEWBERG, Ore. – Solid defense that limited the home team to only one shot on goal and a free kick score in the second half proved to be just enough to lift the visiting Whitman College Missionaries to a 1-0 win over the George Fox University Bruins in a Northwest Conference women’s soccer match Friday evening here at the Austin Sports Complex.

The Missionary defense allowed the Bruins a total of five shots all game long, with their only serious opportunity a header by Kirsten Cardwell, who had three of George Fox’s shots, in the 19^th minute of the first half. Emily Davis made the stop for Whitman and went on to earn the shutout win, improving to 2-0.

Whitman had 17 shots in all and eight on goal, finally cashing in following a Bruin foul near the penalty box two minutes into the second half. Marissa Poorboy took the indirect free kick straight on from 22 yards out and rifled a shot over keeper Alyssa Montero that hit the crossbar and angled down into the net. It was her second goal of the season.

George Fox keepers Becka Doyle and Montero made seven saves, Doyle four in the first half and Montero three in the second half. Whitman held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

NEXT: George Fox (2-2-2, NWC 1-1) hosts Whitworth University and Whitman (3-2, NWC 1-1) visits Pacific University Sunday, both games starting at 12:00 noon. Men’s games between the same two pairs will follow at 2:30 p.m.