SPOKANE, Wash. – The George Fox men's soccer team struck first against Whitworth, but the teams ultimately tied in a hard-fought match, 1-1.
How it Happened
The 'Bucs kicked off the game with a shot in the first minute that sailed above the crossbar. Fox responded with an attempt of their own, missing right by an incremental margin, maintaining the 0-0 score. GFU earned a corner kick eight minutes in; Fox took two shots before
Max Visser capitalized on the opportunity, finding the lower-right corner of the net to put the Bruins up, 1-0. 14 minutes into the half, the Pirates pressured Fox with a shot, but they again missed high.
A Bruin defender fouled within the 18-yard box four minutes later, leading to a penalty kick for the Pirates' Ryland Crane. The ball flew into the corner of the net, leveling the game at 1-1. The next shot came 11 minutes later, when
Zac LeVin pulled away into a one-on-one with the Whitworth goalie. He chanced a low-center shot, but his effort was stopped. Fox defense blocked another shot in the 42nd minute. The 'Bucs and Bruins both launched shots over the crossbar in the final minute, keeping the score at an even 1-1.
In the minute following the second half kickoff, Whitworth fired a header toward the Bruin goal, but
Chase Nelson completed an outstanding save. The 54th minute saw another shot by LeVin, but it flew high. Shortly following, the Pirates missed a free kick chance. LeVin then took another shot, but it was unable to connect with the net. Nine minutes of back and forth eventually led to Bruins blocking a shot. Next, midfielder
Isaac Wilson tried to sneak a goal in, but the Whitworth goalie made the save. In the 74th minute, LeVin shot on goal, but Whitworth's keeper again stopped the ball. Fox blocked a shot that came in the following two minutes. With 13 minutes remaining, Visser took a shot, but it fell wide.
It looked like Fox might have an opening to pull ahead, as the ball spent a lot of time near Whitworth's goal.
Carson Tapia was nearest to scoring, taking two shots that were both blocked. Finally, the Pirates shot near midfield in the final two minutes, but they missed high, ending the game with a 1-1 tie.
Top Performances
Max Visser scored the Bruins' sole goal of the game, while
Aiden Schultz and
Merric Marino played the full 90 minutes for the first time in their careers.
Zac LeVin led the team with four shots, two of which were on goal. In goal,
Chase Nelson ended his day with one save.
What it Means
This was the second tie of the season for both teams. The Bruins are now at 1-5-2 (1-3-2 NWC); the Pirates move to 2-5-2 (0-3-2 NWC).
What Happens Next
George Fox will head to Walla Walla, Wash., to play the Whitman Blues. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Sunday, October 4.
