Fab Frosh Lead Bruins Past Linfield

NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox women's soccer team got an impressive all-around defensive performance and goals from a pair of freshmen in a 2-0 victory over the Linfield Wildcats Sunday at the Austin Sports Complex.

How It Happened 
The Bruins had an 8-1 shot advantage in the first

half, finally breaking through on a powerful goal from freshman midfielder Taylor Ho. Ho controlled a deflected ball at the top of the box and drilled a powerful strike into the upper left quadrant to give the Bruins a 1-0 advantage with less than ten minutes to go before the halftime horn.

Linfield had its best scoring opportunity in the waning minutes of the half, with a quick counter-attack following a George Fox corner kick. An offsides call nullified a 2-on-1 break opportunity and GFU had a 1-0 lead at the break.

The Bruins dominated play in the final 45, with a 14-3 edge in shots. Maggie Phillips sent a long ball over the top to the right side of the Bruins' attacking half, where freshman Rebecca Kozak controlled the ball, maneuvered between two defenders and drilled a left-footed low strike into the back of the net from the right side of the box. Kozak's first career goal gives George Fox nine different goal-scorers on the season.

The Bruins had many opportunities to multiply their lead, but had one goal wiped out by an offsides infraction and two other quality attempts saved by Linfield goalkeeper Alyssa Bakkensen, who kept Phillips off the board more than once. 

Top Performers
Phillips didn't add to her goal tally, but put four of her eight shots on frame and was credited with an assist on Kozak's goal. Kozak and Trinity Carrington each put two of three shots on target. Freshman Sara Thudium picked up a clean sheet in her first career start. Her lone save was a relatively easy chance, thanks to a superlative effort across the board from the Bruins' back line.

Coach's Thoughts
"They've always been a formidable opponent for us and obviously it's a rivalry," said head coach Laura Schott. "I'm proud of how our players kept the ball for a lot of that game. We built well and got a couple of really good goals."

Schott commented on her deep freshman class, which includes both of Sunday's scorers and starting keeper: "It's a really good group, a talented group. They helped us in building our team this year and helping build the program. They are a lot of fun to coach." 

What It Means
The Bruins evened their Northwest Conference mark at 2-2, improving to 5-3 on the season. Only the NWC's two leading scoring teams, Pacific Lutheran and Whitworth, have had more different players score goals than George Fox (10 each).

Up Next
The Bruins have a second straight home weekend on tap as they play host to Whitman Saturday and Whitworth on Sunday. Both matches kick off at noon.