Box Score

NEWBERG, Ore. – In a tight defensive struggle, it was host George Fox University which caught the game's one break after a deflected shot, resulting in a goal by Kirsten Cardwell that gave the Bruins a 1-0 victory over the Willamette University Bearcats in a Northwest Conference women's soccer match Saturday afternoon here at Morse Field.

The defense was clearly in evidence in the first half as each team managed only five shots, the Bruins getting two on
goal and the Bearcats one.  Both teams stepped up the offensive pressure in the second half, George Fox getting eight more shots with three on goal, and Willamette taking 16 shots, seven on goal.  The Bearcats also had 10 corner kicks to three for the Bruins, including eight in the second half, but could not capitalize on them.

The breakthrough by the Bruins came at the 52:02 mark in the second half.  Midfielder Nicole Akiu dribbled the ball to the right baseline and crossed it to forward Jenny McKinsey about 10 yards out close to the near post.  McKinsey's shot toward the far post was deflected by Willamette keeper Kelli Gano but not controlled, and as the ball rolled past the keeper, midfielder Cardwell was there to redirect the ball off the underside of the crossbar and into the net for her second goal of the season and the only one of the game.

The Bearcats took 12 of their shots after the goal, with Bruin keeper Sally Page making six of her eight saves during that time.  It was Page's fourth shutout of the season and the Bruins' fifth overall.  Willamette got four shots to tie in the last four minutes, but two were wide left and two were stopped by Page, including one on a shot by Kimber Mattox with two ticks left on the clock.  Gano ended with four saves for Willamette.

George Fox (5-2, NWC 1-2) next visits Pacific Lutheran University Saturday for a 12:00 noon match, followed by the GFU-PLU men's game at 2:30 p.m.  Willamette (4-4, NWC 2-2) hosts Pacific University Saturday at 12:00 noon.