By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

NEWBERG, ORE. -- George Fox University took the lead against Willamette University on an own goal at 64:56, then added an insurance goal roughly seven minutes later, as the Bruins defeated the Bearcats, 3-1, Wednesday, Sept. 12 at Morse Field, in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams. Willamette gave up the own goal just 31 seconds after the Bearcats tied the game. GFU improved to 3-3 on the season, while WU dropped to 2-2-1.

John Zaganiacz of George Fox opened the scoring at 40:28 on an assist from Justin Meyer. The Bruins took their 1-0 lead in to the second half.

At 64:25, Trevor Jones (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored his second goal of the season for Willamette on an assist from Luke Lagattuta (So., D, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS), as the Bearcats pulled even at 1-1. Lagattuta crossed the ball from the right side to Jones, who was near the left post. Jones headed the ball into the right side of the goal.

About one-half minute later, the Bearcats put the ball into their own net and George Fox took the lead for good. The own goal occurred following a shot by GFU's Keith Marshall. Willamette goalie Scott Klein (Fr., Coeur D'alene, ID/Lake City HS) punched out the ball to prevent a goal, but it struck a defender in the back of the head and rebounded into the net.

The Bruins recorded the game's final goal at 71:51 on a shot by Garrett Blizzard. Matt Gurlides and Carlos Pehr earned assists on the play.

George Fox goalkeeper Kyle Putnam recorded the win and registered three saves for the Bruins. Klein suffered the loss, but earned eight saves for the Bearcats. GFU achieved a 16-13 edge in shots, including 11-4 in shots on goal. Both teams achieved five corner kicks, including four by Willamette and three by George Fox in the second half.

WU will play again on Sunday, Sept. 16 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).

George Fox University 3, Willamette University 1 - Box Score