By: Jake Bienvenue

NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox men's soccer team hosted the Linfield Wildcats for senior day Sunday in their last home game of the season, losing the matchup 2-1.

Recap:
Emotions ran high as the teams took the field in what would be the last game at home for many of the George Fox seniors. The Wildcats struck first with a ball sent from deep outside of the box just over one minute into the game, putting the Bruins down by one early.

The Bruins had two shots in the 7^th and 9^th minutes before the Wildcats were again able to score in the 11^th minute, increasing their lead to 2-0.

The teams continued to trade blows until the home team retaliated with a picturesque goal in the 38^th minute. Freshman forward Dennis Zapata sent a cross into the box that was beautifully headed past the Linfield keeper by senior Victor Garcia. The whistle blew for the end of the first half and the Bruins went into the locker room down by just a goal, 2-1.

The Bruins' offense pressed the opposing team through the second half, out-shooting the Wildcats 12-7 in the final 45. The home team forced the opposing goalkeeper to save four balls in the second period of play, though neither team was able to score for the majority of the half.

In a stunning sequence of play, the Bruins began a last-ditch effort to score in the final two minutes of the game in front of a ravenous home crowd.

Senior midfielder Joel Schierman sent a corner kick into the box in the 88^th minute that was tapped just wide of the goal by midfielder Miguel Lopez, though the team earned another corner kick. Senior forward Liam Clancy took this one and managed to get the ball to junior Sean Owens, who had his shot deflected by the Wildcat defense.

In a final corner attempt in the 89^th minute, Clancy sent a ball into the box that was deflected away by the opposing team as the time ran out.

Top Performers:
Garcia led the Bruin offense with two shots and a goal, along with Clancy tallying three shots against the opposition. Also contributing were Miguel Lopez, Sean Owens, and Moises Manon with two shots each. Dennis Zapata recorded the only assist of the game. Senior goalkeeper Ricardo Sotelo played well between the sticks with four saves.

What Comes Next:
The team will look to bounce back in Washington on Saturday, October 29 with a matchup against Puget Sound at 2:30pm.