NEWBERG, Ore. – Conner Bottomly assisted on both Whitman College goals, one in each half, as the visiting Missionaries downed the George Fox University Bruins 2-0 in the Northwest Conference men's soccer opener for both teams on a rain-drenched Friday night here at the Austin Sports Complex.

Whitman got its first goal 15 minutes into the match as Bottomly sent a through ball up the middle to Leland Matthaeus, who sent it in past George Fox goalie Elliott Davis for his second score of the season.  The Missionaries added an insurance tally in the 77th minute in the second half when Bottomly made a run to the left side of the penalty box and crossed to Sam Freedman coming down the middle, and he lined it home from five yards  away.  It was Freedman's second goal of the season also.

The Whitman defense allowed nine Bruin shots, three by Christian Reed, and four on goal, which were all stopped by Tim Shu, who went the distance in net for the Missionaries.  The Bruins are still seeking their first goal at home after three games on their new turf.  Davis faced 16 shots, seven on goal, and had four saves (with one team save) for George Fox. 

The match was an intense, physical one, with 20 fouls whistled on the visitors and 12 on the home team.  Each team received two yellow cards, including a double yellow in the 79th minute.  Corner kicks were rare, with Whitman getting only two chances and George Fox only one. 

NEXT: George Fox (0-3-1, NWC 0-1) hosts Whitworth University and Whitman (2-3-1, NWC 1-0) visits Pacific University Sunday, both games starting at 2:30 p.m.  Women's games with similar matchups will precede each men's game at 12:00 noon.