Men's Soccer defeats George Fox

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University secured a 2-1 victory over George Fox University on Wednesday at Sparks Field. Willamette took an early lead with two first-half goals, including a game-winner, while their defense, led by the goalkeeper's four saves, held off a late surge by George Fox.

Lorenzo Trejo De Dios scored one goal on two shots, with one shot on goal. Ky Iliev contributed a goal and an assist, with his goal being the game-winner, on three shots. Rory McKee added an assist and had two shots on goal, out of three total attempts. Mikkel Jensen made four saves while allowing one goal in 90 minutes of play.

The match commenced with Willamette establishing early control, highlighted by a corner kick in the third minute. The home team broke through in the 17th minute when Trejo De Dios scored with assists from Iliev and McKee. This momentum continued as Iliev found the net again in the 21st minute, assisted by Brenden Pineda, doubling the lead.

Willamette maintained pressure throughout the period, with Pineda and McKee both testing George Fox's goalkeeper, Patrick O'Brien, with on-target attempts. On the defensive end, Jensen preserved the home team's advantage with a crucial save in the 38th minute. The period closed with the Bearcats leading 2-0.

The second half began with the Bearcats maintaining their lead and creating early opportunities. Iliev initiated the attack with a shot just 34 seconds into the half, followed by McKee's attempt in the 50th minute that was saved by the Bruins' goalkeeper, O'Brien. Jensen kept the Bearcats ahead with two crucial saves in the 59th and 61st minutes.

The Bruins managed to break through in the 65th minute when Eugene Peltier scored, narrowing the lead to 2-1. Despite several more attempts from both sides, neither team could alter the scoreline further. The match concluded with the Bearcats holding onto a 2-1 victory.

The Bearcats now hold a record of 3-5-6 overall and 3-2-5 in conference play. The Bruins fall to 4-6-4 overall and 2-5-3 in conference play.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Whitman College on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Salem, Oregon. The match will kick off at 2:45 p.m. as the team continues its campaign on home turf.