KIRKLAND, Wash. – In George Fox Soccer's first official game of the season, they fell 2-0 against a tough NAIA opponent in Northwest , giving up two second-half goals late in the game.  

How It Happened
Both teams struggled to find any room for offense during the first half, as the two teams combined for just eight shots, with three of them on goal (all of which came from the Bruins). Robert Rodarte, Eugene Peltier, and Cody DeMarino all had clean looks at goals that were saved by the Northwest goalkeeper. Fox's defense didn't allow a single shot on goal in the first, however, and the Eagles attack picked up in intensity in the second.

In the second Northwest managed seven shots, two of which found the back of the net. The first goal came after an untimely offside penalty by GFU that opened up things for NU, scoring in the 74th minute. Peltier responded with a shot attempt of his own that missed high, it would be the last shot Fox took in the game, as the Eagle's defense smothered the Bruins' attempts for the rest of the game. Fox allowed a second goal in the 87th minute, expanding the deficit to 2-0, and with such limited time the Bruins could not manage any last-minute miracles to start the season. When the final whistle blew, the Bruins found themselves 0-1. 

Top Performances
 Robert Rodarte, Eugene Peltier, and Cody DeMarnio all had clean looks on goal in the first game of the season, with Peltier shooting a team-high four shots in the contest. 

Coach's Thoughts
"It's always difficult to be on the wrong end of the score line," Bruin head coach Paul Karver said, "The guys played well for long stretches and the chances we created were good, the difference is that we didn't finish them the way we did in our exhibitions. Certainly another step forward as we work to get guys healthy and ready for the conference season."

What It Means
After two exhibition games that didn't count towards GFU's record, Friday's contest leaves the Bruins at 0-1, while Northwest improves to 3-0. 

What Comes Next
George Fox plays their first home game of the season on Sunday, September 3, at Austin Sports Complex in Newberg against Augsburg University. Kick-off is 11 a.m.