FOREST GROVE, Ore. --- The George Fox men's soccer team ended its 2021 campaign on a high note after spoiling the Pacific Boxers' senior day celebration and avenging their previous loss in Newberg with a 1-0 road win.
How It Happened
The two sides battled their way to a 0-0 draw after the opening 45 minutes of action. George Fox was outshot by the Boxers in the first half, 3-2, and Alex Muir was called on to make two saves to keep his clean sheet.
The second half favored Fox in more ways than one as they were able to possess the ball more often and for longer stretches than their hosts. In the 61st minute, those possessions deep in the Boxers' end paid off with a goal for a 1-0 lead. Connor Kong took a ball the Bruins won by pressing in the midfield and finished it front and center for his third goal of the year.
The Boxers were able to work the ball into the Bruins' defensive third after Fox earned its 1-0 lead, but each time the Bruins' back line and keeper Muir were able to turn them away without allowing a score. Fox was able to kill the clock in the Boxers' half and kept their lead to win in regulation.
Top Performances
Muir produced three saves to keep his net clear and earn his second shutout of the season, while Kong's timely finish was enough for the win. The Bruins' back line worked well as a unit to consistently clear the box and turn away dangerous runs in the win.
Coach's Thoughts
"Today was another step forward with this team and we couldn't be more proud of this group of young men," interim coach Paul Karver said after the match. "Growth always comes with its challenges and this year certainly presented opportunities to be challenged.
"We have talked all year long about the team as a whole and how important it is that everyone brings their own value everyday. Today was a wonderful example of that.
"The guys battled for each other and in the big moments our defensive unit covered for each other and a senior selflessly played a ball to a freshman instead of taking the glory so the team could win. The foundation this group has laid is something we can build on and proud isn't a strong enough word for how our staff feels about this group of exceptional young men."
What It Means
George Fox ends its 2021 fall season with a 6-12 overall record and a 4-10 mark against Northwest Conference foes under interim coach Paul Karver. The win also jumps the Bruins past Pacific in the standings. Fox managed two shutouts this season and fought hard all year, showing their competitiveness with 11 one-score matches this season.
The Bruins eked out a sixth-place finish in the NWC standings after jumping Pacific with the win, one spot above their projected 7th-place preseason poll finish. The 2021 final standings are the best finish for Fox since the 2001 season when the Bruins checked in at third overall at season's end.
