NEWBERG, Ore. – The last time the George Fox men's soccer team played the Willamette Bearcats, they fell in a 6-0 loss. This time around, the Bruins used steller play by their keeper and two goals to top their Northwest Conference rivals for the first time since 2012, 2-1. 

How It Happened
The Bruins needed just nine minutes to score their first goal of the day, as Eugene Peltier took a penalty kick after a Willamette penalty and smashed it into the back of the net. The Bearcats had 14 shots against the Bruins, a challenge that GFU keeper Keoni Gavino handled exceptionally. In the first half alone he had four saves, stopping all but one of Willamette's on-goal attempts. The Bearcats were able to put one by Gavino in the 41st minute, scoring after a throw-in deep in GFU territory. The Bruins had to be pleased, though, as they headed into the half tied 1-1 against a team that found themselves in a three-way tie for third place in the conference.

Willamette was just as aggressive in the second half, shooting the ball seven times – half the attempts as the first half, a testament to the resilient Fox defense. The Bruins and Bearcats remained deadlocked at one goal apiece heading into the 70th minute. The Bruins made a push in the 72nd minute though, and Connor Kong entered the game for the first time. Just 30 seconds after entering, Kong would score thanks to an assist from Joshua Chang. 

Following the goal, the Willamette attack would only pick up in intensity, spending the majority of the final minutes on the George Fox side of the field. Gavino had several crucial stops, stepping in to clear crosses and directing the suffocating Fox defensive line in the final moments. Gavino had a save in the 73rd minute, and another in the 88th minute. 

The crunch-time defensive heroics weren't done either; Willamette was pushing the issue with just seconds left in the game, and with six seconds left before the final whistle, managed to draw a free kick from just outside the box. The Bruins' defense lined up for what would be the deciding play in the difference between a tie and a win. Willamette set up for the free kick, and as they dropped the ball in front of the goal, and after a brief scramble, the Bruins cleared the ball, ending the game. Fox celebrated as the final whistle went off, walking away with a 2-1 win. 

Top Performances
Eugene Peltier and Connor Kong each had a goal, Joshua Chang an assist, while Keoni Gavino had one of his best performances all year, as he ended with a career-high total of nine saves. 

Coach's Thoughts
"We are very proud of the guys and the work they put in today," said Bruin head coach Paul Karver, "Every member of the team played a part in the success. The culture we continue to build is about the collective and today was a wonderful example of that. Guys coming of the bench and scoring, guys playing out of position, and guys being asked to do the dirty work that isn't fun, couldn't be more proud of them."

What It Means
Fox Improves to 5-10-1 (4-7-1 NWC) on the year, while Willamette falls to 6-9-1 (6-5-1 NWC). 

What Comes Next
The Bruins look to win back-to-back games for the first time all season on Wednesday, October 25th against the Lewis & Clark Pioneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.