NEWBERG, Ore. -- After a hard-fought game, the George Fox men's soccer team fell to the No. 13-ranked Willamette Bearcats, 2-0, in their second meeting of the season.  

How It Happened
The Bruins entered Friday night's game eager to avenge their 7-0 loss to the Bearcats one month prior — and from the opening kick, it was clear that the Bruin mentality had changed. Cade Matsumoto and the Bruin defense held the Bearcats offense scoreless in the first half. Matsumoto recorded five saves in the half, while the Bruin back line prevented many other Willamette opportunities.

The Bruin defense managed to keep the Bearcats at bay for the first half of the second period, but with 26:08 left, the Bearcats found the back of the net to break the tie. The Bearcat's Luke Varav recovered a blocked shot, and carried the ball just off of Matsumoto's hands, into the crossbar, and back down through the goal 

The Bruins came back strong from the goal, but were unable to convert on their counterattacks. Joshua Chang had the best opportunity of the night for the Bruins, when his shot was deflected up into the air and into the hands of the Willamette goalie. While Fox had chances in the final seconds, the Bearcats closed out the game with a win, tacking on an empty net insurance goal in the final seconds to win 2-0.

Top Performers
Joshua Chang led the Bruins offensively with two shots, while Matsumoto totaled eight saves. Santiago Munevar was the other Bruin to record a shot on the night.

Coach's Thoughts
"The boys battled this evening against a very good Willamette group," Bruin head coach Paul Karver said, "We had our chances and need to do a better job of taking them. The result isn't what we want but we are excited to go back after it on Sunday."

What It Means
The Bruins fall to 2-9-3 overall, with a 0-6-3 conference record, while the Bearcats improve on their league best record of 11-1-2 (9-1 NWC).

What Happens Next
The Bruins face the Linfield Wildcats on Sunday in McMinnville, Ore. with kickoff scheduled for 2:30pm.