Bearcats battle Bruins to scoreless draw

NEWBERG, Ore. — The Willamette University women's soccer team and George Fox University played to a 0-0 draw at the Austin Sports Complex on Friday. The Bearcats outshot the Bruins 13-3, with seven shots on goal, but George Fox's goalkeeper recorded seven saves to maintain the shutout. Willamette's defense also held strong, allowing only one shot on goal.

The first half featured a defensive standoff, with both teams unable to break through on the scoreboard. The Bearcats had multiple corner opportunities early on, including attempts at the 5th and 23rd minutes, but the Bruins' goalkeeper Marisa Lam denied shots from Elizabeth Souza and Erica Stotts in the 29th and 30th minutes. Willamette's goalkeeper Siera Edwards also made a key save in the 39th minute, ensuring the match remained scoreless at halftime.

The second half commenced with Willamette applying early pressure, as Saylor Carroll's shot was saved in the 49th minute. The Bearcats continued to dominate the attack, with Erin Denney and Natalie Rodriguez-De La Torre both testing the opposing goalkeeper, Lam, who thwarted their efforts. In the final minutes, Willamette's offensive persistence was evident with multiple corner kicks and shots, including a late attempt by Ella McComas, but the match concluded scoreless at 0-0.

Edwards recorded one save in a full 90 minutes, contributing to a shutout performance in goal. Denney led the team with four shots, including one on goal. Rodriguez-De La Torre added two shots, with one on target, while Stotts also contributed two shots, one of which was on goal.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Linfield University on Sunday, Sept. 14, at noon.