Beacons Shutout By Bruins

Beacon Women's Soccer Release
September 16, 2008
Contact: Nick Askew

EUGENE, Ore. - The Northwest Christian University women's soccer match held George Fox University scoreless for the final 71 minutes of the game, but two early goals did enough damage in a 2-0 loss on Tuesday night.

The Bruins first got on the board in the 16th minute on a breakaway play. Kirsten Cardwell was one-on-one with the keeper, who came out from the goalie box to make a remarkable diving save on Cardwell's shot. The ball, however, deflected to the waiting feet of Molly Schaefer, who gathered the ball and punched in the empty-net score.

George Fox struck again just three minutes later as the offense penetrated the Beacon's back line and Anna Russell slotted a perfect left-to-right pass through the box to Cardwell. Cardwell then shot the ball back to the left, past a diving Beacon keeper for the insurance score.

The Beacons held GFU scoreless from that point as keeper Katelyn Nistler collected 11 saves. But the offense had their own difficulties, behind held to just three shots on goal, all in the first half. George Fox, off to the best start in program history, improved to 4-0 with the victory. They have not allowed a single goal to be scored on them in 360 minutes this season.

We had our opportunities to come back," said head coach Vern Stewart. "But win or lose, this was exactly what we wanted heading into conference play. We got to play a quality opponent, and our girls are very disappointed with the loss. I love to see that, because it shows that they are hungry. I don't want them to ever be satisfied after a loss. We know that we can play with good teams and George Fox is a very good team."

The Beacons (3-5) will be back in action on Thursday night when they travel to face conference rival Corban College in the CCC opener for both schools.