WALLA WALLA, Wash. --- The George Fox men's soccer team bent, but never broke, holding off a relentless attack from the Whitman Blues in a 0-0 tie on Saturday afternoon.

How It Happened
The Bruin defense was tested early and often, as the Blues commanded ball possession throughout the first half. From the first Whitman shot nine minutes into the game that rattled off the crossbar, Bruin goalie Cade Matsumoto and the rest of the Bruin defense protected their net. Despite being outshot 14-0, the game was tied.

The second half was more of the same for both teams. Try as they might, the Blues could not break past Matsumoto and the Bruin back line. Once again, the Blues' defense outshot the Bruins handily. Once again, the Fox defense held. 

With time winding down, Isaac Nakayama had the best chance of the day for the Bruins with five minutes remaining in the game. The sophomore's shot was on target but was quickly saved. The waning minutes saw two more off-target shots from the Blues before time wound down. Though the Blues outshot Fox 24-2, the Bruins began their Northwest Conference schedule with a scoreless tie.

Top Performers
Through the first four games of his Bruin career, Matsumoto had eight saves. On Saturday afternoon, he doubled his total. The freshman recorded eight saves and his first collegiate shutout. Offensively, Nakayama and Kevin Garcia were the two Bruins to notch a shot on the day.

Coach's Thoughts
"Today was a fantastic example of what happens when you are up against the wall with guys next to you that know how much you believe in them," Bruin head coach Paul Karver said, "The shot count was what it was but the composure from our guys was a big step as we mature as a group."

What It Means
The Bruin's record now sits at 1-3-1 on the season, with an 0-0-1 record in NWC play. The Blues' record stays at .500 with a 3-3-1 mark.
 
What It Means
The Bruins continue their trip to the "Whits" with a game against Whitworth in Spokane, Wash. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.