FOREST GROVE, Ore. - The George Fox Women's soccer team showcased their intense defensive pressure to keep the game scoreless in a close-call stalemate against Pacific University, 0-0.
How It Happened
The Bruins started the chilly fall match by coming in hot with the first deep drive of the game. Only a minute in, Bruin senior
Chloe Rocha found an early opening and shot from distance at the Boxer goal, sending Pacific's goalkeeper Isabella Duckworth diving for the save. The Boxers answered with a push of their own when Rissalyn Hara found an exposed goal, but pressure from the Fox defense closed down the angle and forced the shot high.
Defenses for both teams locked down further threats with gritty steals. Nearly 20 minutes later, only the third shot of the game was recorded; this time, it was by the Bruins on a volley that pierced the Boxer defense and gave Freshman forward
Maddie Twichell a shot on goal in the bottom right. Duckworth once again demonstrated quick reflexes in grabbing the ball to keep the game scoreless.
Myann Johansen, the Bruin goalie, also established her prowess in the goal. Facing three shots from the Boxers, she caught the first two with ease, but in the 34th minute she faced a corner kick. In the struggle for possession, Pacific's Julia Fechter had nothing but Johansen standing in the way of a goal. Johansen slid in with an incredible save, lending the Bruins momentum.
Bruin
Morgan Phalen marked a shot on goal to capitalize on the advantage given by Johansen. Her shot was saved in the top of the net by Duckworth following the corner kick and the Boxers made a breakaway move toward the George Fox goal, but Bruin defensive players marched down the attempt and cleared the ball. However, Pacific did not let up, making a final shot on goal to end the half courtesy of Boxer Nora Chennault. Johansen once again made an incredible save to thwart the attempt and leave the game at a stalemate, 0-0.
The second half mirrored the first as the two teams featured a resilient and persistent defense. The Boxers made the first move with Jadyn Ayano sprinting down the field and finding an opening. Taking a shot on goal, her shot was blocked by the Fox defenders.Â
Boxer attacks found their way past the George Fox defense again, shooting four times on goal with only 12 minutes left in the match. Enter freshman
Camille Cresap. The new goalkeeper for Fox made her first collegiate appearance for the Bruins and saved all four of the shots she faced. One shot, after a foul on the Bruins, was placed from distance like a rocket by Boxer Katelyn Sanders, but Cresap courageously dove to keep the Bruins in the game.
The game ended with a final breakaway shot by George Fox's
Isabella Hector. With a shot in the 84th minute, Hector's attempt was saved by Duckworth in the bottom left corner, ending the game at 0-0.
Top Performances
Bruins
Myann Johansen and
Camille Cresap each made four saves in the game, not allowing the Boxers to score. This was also Cresap's debut for Fox.
Isabella Hector,
Morgan Phalen, Maddilan Twichell, and
Chloe Rocha each made a shot on goal for the Bruin offense.
What It Means
The Bruins tie and finish the season 2-13-3 (1-12-3 NWC), while the Boxers receive their first tie of the season, 6-11-1 (4-10-1 NWC).
Coach's Thoughts
"This has been a fun season but more importantly we've learned a ton," said Bruin head coach
Brooke Alteneder. "These players, whether they're returning or not, built the foundation for the future of the program and I couldn't be more excited for what's next."
What Happens Next
This concludes the George Fox women's soccer team's regular season. The Bruins will be back and ready for action in 2027.
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