Willamette Overcomes Halftime Deficit to Defeat George Fox, 2-1

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University received goals from Karmen Chavez-Sam (Fr., D, Eastvale, CA/Eleanor Roosevelt HS) and Emmy Manset (So., F, Ventura, CA/Foothill Technology HS) in the first eight minutes of the second half, as the Bearcats rallied from a 1-0 deficit to down visiting George Fox University, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The win allowed the Bearcats to up their record to 7-8-2 overall, including 7-5-1 in the NWC. Willamette currently holds third place in the NWC standings. The Bruins dropped to 5-11-2 overall, 3-10-1 in the conference.

George Fox scored first at 19:07 on a goal by Brette Dodson. She sent a free kick into the upper left corner of the goal.

Willamette outshot the Bruins, 8-2, in the first half, but George Fox still held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Bearcats changed the score quickly when play resumed. Chavez-Sam hit the net with a shot at 48:44to tie the game. She recorded the goal on a shot from outside the penalty area. It was her first goal of the season.

Just over four minutes later, Manset scored at 52:51 to put Willamette in front, 2-1. She shot from two yards out, placing the ball in the lower right corner after receiving a pass from Marley Duncan (So., F, Pukalani, HI/Kamehameha School).

GFU had a chance to tie the score at 75:22, but a shot by Maci Jokumsen hit the crossbar.

Willamette earned an 11-2 advantage in shots over the final 45 minutes to finish with a commanding 19-4 margin for the game. The Bearcats placed four shots on target, while GFU produced two shots on goal. WU attained a 6-0 edge in corner kicks.

Manset led all players with four total shots. Karin Hokanson (Sr., F/M, Woodinville, WA/International Community School), Veronica Ewers (Sr., F, Moscow, ID/Moscow HS) and Emma Sanders (Jr., M, Kennewick, WA/Southridge HS) each contributed three shots for the Bearcats.

Goalkeeper Kelsey Kammerzell of GFU registered two saves. Emily Sewall (Jr., GK, Petaluma, CA/Casa Grande HS) of Willamette earned one save.