NEWBERG, Ore. – The George Fox men's soccer team was dominant early in a rainy home matchup against the Bearcats, but several second half penalty kicks proved too costly and they eventually dropped the game, 4-2. 

How It Happened
George Fox was dominant early in the match, finding their offensive rhythm right from the opening whistle. It only took the Bruins five minutes to break through the Bearcat's backline, when a cross from Eugene Peltier found Connor Kong, who put it into the low left center with a header. 

Though the Bruins controlled the ball for much of the period, Willamette's defense remained impenetrable, and the Bearcats capitalized on their opportunities late in the half. They leveled the game, 1-1, with a goal in the 32nd minute, before scoring again just four minutes later to take the lead heading into halftime, 2-1. 

Willamette extended their lead, 3-1, early in the second half, converting a penalty kick on the back of a Bruin foul. The next twenty minutes were a tussle for ball control, neither side able to move the ball far down the middle. 

George Fox earned a penalty kick of their own midway through the half, after a foul in the box. The kick was saved by the Bearcat keeper, but Isaac Williams came in from the right side and drove home a low kick to the right side to score, narrowing the margin to just one goal.

The Bruins' comeback was stalled by yet another penalty kick for the period, this one coming after a George Fox handball. Willamette was able to capitalize to pull away, 4-2, and they kept this lead for the remainder of the game to take the win.

Top Performers
Connor Kong and Isaac led the way for the Bruin offense, finishing the day with one goal each, while Eugene Peltier ended the game with one assist. In goal, Justin Huttinger recorded four saves on the day.

Coach's Thoughts
"Today was certainly frustrating after we started the match on the front foot," said Bruins head coach Paul Karver. "Huge credit to a difficult Willamette team who took full advantage of every moment we gave them. Now we have to turn our focus to responding and getting a result vs a very good Pacific program tomorrow."

What It Means
The Bruins fall to 11-3-1 (7-3-1 NWC) on the season, while Willamette improves to 4-7-5 (4-4-4 NWC). 

What Happens Next
The Bruins will look to regain momentum in a road match against Pacific (8-6-1, 6-4-1 NWC) on Sunday, October 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. in Forest Grove, Ore.