Press Release
9/22 - GEORGE FOX 1, WHITMAN 0: Bruins Edge Missionaries Behind Cardwell and McKinsey
NEWBERG, Ore. - Goalkeeper Jessica Cardwell posted her 15th career shutout, one short of the George Fox University record, and Jenny McKinsey scored her third game-winning goal of the season, leading the Bruins to a 1-0 victory over the Whitman College Missionaries in a Northwest Conference women's soccer match Saturday afternoon here at Morse Field.
The Bruins got on the board in the first half when Amber Stevens on the left sideline sent a cross to McKinsey coming down the center, and she shot from just inside the top of the penalty box. Whitman keeper Courtney Porter, in the middle of the box, dove and slowed the ball down, but the kick still had enough momentum to continue on across the line for the only goal the Bruins would need 12:27 into the game.
The Bruins defense did the rest, anchored by Cardwell, who made 10 saves and recorded her second straight shutout. She needs one more whitewash to tie the GFU record of 16 by Meghan Gibson, which was achieved in only two seasons (1997-98). The Bruin backfield of Megan Servoss, Esther Mason, Sierra Whitehill and Melissa Leighty also did a yeoman's job keeping the ball away from the Missionaries' potent All-Conference forward, Kristen Berndt, who took six shots but only managed one on goal.
Porter kept the game close by making eight saves for Whitman. The Missionaries held a slight shooting edge, 19-18, and took 11 shots on goal to nine for the Bruins. George Fox held the edge in corners, 5-4.
It was the Bruins' fourth straight win and boosted their record to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference, equaling their best start ever in conference play. George Fox is now even with the University of Puget Sound and Whitworth University atop the league standings. Whitman slipped to 3-3-1 overall and 2-1 in the NWC.
George Fox hosts undefeated Whitworth (6-0, NWC 3-0) Sunday at 12:00 noon with a share of first place on the line. Whitman visits Willamette University Sunday, also at noon.