Boxers Open NWC Action With Victory Over Bruins
Box Score
FOREST GROVE, Ore.- After a scoreless first half, the Pacific women's soccer team continued an undefeated mark as they scored three goals to open Northwest Conference play with a 3-1 victory over George Fox on Wednesday evening at Lincoln Park Stadium.
“We were very flat in the opening half, which gave George Fox all the confidence in the world to be the aggressors,” said Associate Head Coach Dane Joseph. At halftime we reminded them to focus simply on their roles and responsibilities. They were still flat in the first few minutes of the second half and they scored on us, but we were able to regroup and dominate the rest of the half.”
George Fox scored the first goal of the match in the 47
th minute. Melanie Gaither fired a shot, but was blocked. The ball rebounded back to Haley Downey, who redirected to Jordyn Brennerman in the center of the box, to find the back of the net.
The Boxers would not let the Bruins score another goal for the rest of the match.
Chantal Gustine (Fr., Kalispell, Mont.) scored her first goal of the season to tie the match up at 1-1 in the 55
th minute.
Kamryn Plechot (So., La Palma, Calif.) threw the ball to the center area of the box, which found Gustine, who fired between the posts, past the Bruins goalkeeper Ally Swanson.
“It's always great when another freshman steps up and presents herself,” Joseph said. “Gustine had a perfect game today and her goal is a by-product of her intelligent runs, sharp turns and technical skills. She continues to remind us everyday that she wants to be a difference-make and by golly she sure did that today.”
Kaitlyn Harper (Sr., Oregon City, Ore.) scored the game-winning goal in the 61
st minute, her first game-winner of the season. Harper shot from the top of the six-yard box after the Bruins attempted to clear the ball.
Plechot would cap the scoring off a corner kick from Harper. Plechot shot from five yards out past Swanson in the 85
th minute.
Brittany Hartmann (Sr., Portland, Ore.) claimed her second win of the season between the pipes, collecting three saves. Harper led the Boxers with five shots.
“We had 12 people on the pitch today with the crowd behind us,” said Joseph. “We cannot express how thankful we are for all the support the crowd has given us. It was terrific Boxer spirit! Go Boxers!”
The Boxers (3-0-2) travel down to McMinnville to face the 23rd ranked Linfield squad on Saturday. On Sunday, the Boxers travel to Pacific Lutheran. Both of the matches will begin at noon.
