Box Score

NEWBERG, Ore. - An unusual "own goal" enabled George Fox University to take the lead for good just moments after Willamette University had tied it in the second half, and the Bruins went on to defeat the Bearcats 3-1 in the Northwest Conference men's soccer opener for both teams Wednesday afternoon here at Morse Field.

After 40 minutes of scoreless defense, the Bruins finally broke the scoring ice at the 40:28 mark when Justin Meyer crossed from the left corner to the mouth of the goal, where John Zaganiacz shot the ball into the right corner for his second goal of the season. The Bearcats responded at 64:25 in the second half as Luke Lagattuta crossed from the right corner to the left post, and Trevor Jones headed the pass back into the right side of the net for his second goal.

The 1-1 tie lasted only 31 seconds. The Bruins worked the ensuing possession to Keith Marshall coming down the middle, and his shot was punched out by Bearcat keeper Scott Klein - straight into the back of a teammate's head. The subsequent rebound sailed over Klein and trickled into the unprotected net as the Bearcats scrambled to clear the errant ball.

The Bruins sealed the win with a more conventional goal at 71:51. Carlos Pehr passed from the right sideline to Matt Gurlides coming down the right side of midfield, Gurlides flicked the ball to Garrett Blizzard near the top of the keeper's box, and Blizzard notched his first goal of the season with a shot to the middle of the net.

Kyle Putnam went the distance in goal for the Bruins and picked up the win with three saves. Klein had eight saves for the Bearcats. George Fox out-shot Willamette 16-13 overall and 11-4 in shots on goal. Each team also had five corner kicks.

The Bruins (3-3, NWC 1-0) visit Pacific Lutheran University Saturday, while the Bearcats (2-2-1, NWC 0-1) next play at the University of Puget Sound Sunday, both games starting at 2:30 p.m.