By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant
SALEM, Ore. – The Willamette University women's soccer team honored its seniors before Sunday's Northwest Conference match with George Fox University at Sparks Field. The Bearcats battled to the very end but came up short, falling 3-1. GFU improved to 12-6-2 overall and 10-4-2 in the NWC. Willamette slipped to 5-15-0 on the year and 4-12-0 in conference play.
The Bruins put an early goal on the scoreboard, scoring in the 12th minute. First-year Hannah Beardemphyl tallied the first goal of her career to give the visitors the lead, finishing an assist from Maggie Choate, who sent a long pass from midfield to the right side.
Jordan Roue (Sr., GK, San Jose, CA/Prospect HS) pulled in a strong shot for a save with 18 minutes remaining in the half. Also, the Bearcat defense held off a late push by the Bruins to keep the deficit at one as the teams headed into halftime.
George Fox generated 14 shots in the first half, putting seven on target as Roue recorded six saves before the break. The Bruins did not allow any shots and held a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The Bearcats came out of halftime and immediately put pressure on the Bruin defense with Emma Blackburn (Sr., F, Los Altos, CA/St. Francis HS) firing a shot on net to force a save by Sara Thudium. Minutes later Sophie Cleland (So., M, Eugene, OR/North Eugene) had another strong chance, sending a free kick into the area to create a dangerous chance in the 60th minute.
Roue made another huge save with 31 minutes to play on a hard shot before the Bearcats countered with another free kick moments later as Cleland put another shot on net.
After the ball pinballed around in the area, Rebecca Kozak put George Fox in front 2-1, tapping in a shot to end the scramble in the 68th minute. Willamette would capitalize on a penalty kick as Sydney Wilson (Sr., M, Olympia, WA/Capital HS) converted to cut the margin to 2-1 with just under 21 minutes remaining in the match.
Moments later the Bruins answered with another insurance goal as Maggie Phillips hit a well-placed ball to Willa Evans. Evans carried the ball inside the area and knocked a shot inside the far post with 17:46 on the clock.
The Bearcats appeared to have drawn another PK in the 88th minute as Cleland was knocked hard to the ground in the area on a throw-in but did not get the call. George Fox held on for the final two minutes to secure the win.
The Bruins finished the match with a 23-4 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corners, but Willamette was able to create some strong chances on the offensive end. Paige Murray (Sr., D, Olympia, WA/Capital HS) served a beautiful cross from the right side that just missed the heads of the attacking players in front of the goal.
Roue came away with some huge saves in the second half, stopping a one-on-one and turning away a strong point-blank shot, as she finished with eight stops on the afternoon.
Overall, it was a strong performance and a tribute to the seniors as the Bearcats wrapped up the 2021 season.
