By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
NEWBERG, Ore. -- George Fox University scored twice in the first half on goals by Brittany Bravo and Savannah Moisan, and then survived a goal by Gena Main (Jr., F, San Francisco, CA/Gateway HS/Bryn Mawr College) of Willamette University in the second half, as the Bruins downed the Bearcats 2-1 on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Austin Sports Complex. The Bearcats outshot GFU 18-12 overall and recorded a slim 5-4 lead in total shots, but were unable to find a tying goal after Main cut the lead in half with 22 minutes left.
Willamette fell to 11-2-3 overall and to 7-2-3 (24 points) in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats remained third in the NWC standings, two points behind Pacific Lutheran University (8-2-2) and five points behind University of Puget Sound (9-1-2). George Fox improved to 4-8-2 on the season, 2-8-2 in the NWC (8 points, 7th place).
"This was a tough weekend for us with two losses on the road," Willamette Head Coach Hillary Arthur said. "Today was a tale of two very different halves. In the first half, we weren't as focused and organized as we needed to be. In the second half, we played much better defensively and offensively dominating throughout the half. We are a very resilient team and have learned a lot from this weekend."
The Bruins went in front 1-0 on Bravo's goal at 16:38. She shot from the right side into the upper left corner of the net. Bravo was assisted by Puka Ahina. George Fox increased its lead to 2-0 when Moisan scored at 33:34. Moison's shot went into the bottom right corner of the goal.
There were several shots taken in roughly the final seven minutes of the first half.
Shanna Keil (Jr., F, Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) of Willamette shot wide at 37:59. Keil earned another shot just over half a minute later at 38:38, but GFU goalkeeper Brooke Jones made a save. Julia Fecteau (Fr., F, Bend, OR/Bend HS) of WU had her shot blocked at 42:29. Moisan took a shot for the Bruins at 44:38 that resulted in a save by Willamette goalie Kristen Barclay (Jr., GK, Kenmore, WA/Cedar Park Christian School). The Bruins remained in front 2-0 at the break.
The Bearcats gained a 13-6 edge in total shots during the second half, including 4-0 in shots on goal. Willamette's efforts paid off shortly after a corner kick taken at 67:41. Nineteen seconds later Main scored her seventh goal of the season at 68:00. Main took control after the ball bounced off a defender. She shot the ball into the left side of the goal.
Willamette added a trio of shot shortly after Main cut GFU's lead to 2-1. Keil took a shot that was blocked at 69:05 and Lacey Jones (So., F, Portland, OR/David Douglas HS) followed with a shot that was saved by Brooke Jones four seconds later. Keil kicked a a corner for the Bearcats at 69:16, leading to a header by Main that went high.
Jaydn McMillan of George Fox shot wide at 74:35. Jones took back-to-back shots for the Bearcats that were blocked at 79:36 and 79:41. Emma Blackburn (Fr., F, Los Altos, CA/Saint Francis HS) missed wide left for WU at 81:59. Keil sent the final shot of the game on target at 85:39, but Jones registered a save.
Jones achieved four saves during the game. Barclay made two saves for the Bearcats. Lacey Jones of Willamette led all players with six shots during the game. Keil took four shots. Moisan had three shots for the Bruins.
WU will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).
Big Moment of the Game for Willamette
Gena Main continued to be an offensive force for the
Bearcats against George Fox. She scored her seventh
goal of the season and is now tied with Shanna Keil for
Willamette's goal scoring lead. In addition, Main and Keil
are tied with two other players for the NWC goal scoring
lead. Main has taken 35 shots this season and has placed
13 shots on goal.