NEWBERG, Ore. – A back-and-forth Northwest Conference women's soccer battle between visiting Whitworth and George Fox ended in a 0-0 draw on Sunday afternoon at Austin Sports Complex.
The Pirates closed their final road trip at 4-10-2 overall and 3-9-2 in the NWC. The Bruins moved to 2-12-2, 1-11-2 NWC following their final home match of the season.
The first half was evenly played as both teams generated quality looks in an attempt to break the tie. Whitworth's Hailey Herboth had two shots knocked aside, while the Bruins sent a shot off the crossbar on the other end. Both goalkeepers were forced to make three saves in the first frame.
After the Pirates held a 7-6 shot advantage in the first half, the Bruins turned up the pressure and outshot the Bucs 13-3 in the second. That pressure included six GFU corners in the first seven minutes, though the Pirates prevented damage on set pieces.
Both teams had an opportunity to net the game-winning goal late in the match. Maddilan Twichell was fouled in the box and earned a Bruin penalty kick in the 71st minute. Lindsey Kong took the penalty, but Karlee Roderick made the clutch save to her right. Kong charged forward for a rebound but her shot sailed high.
In the final minute of play, Whitworth's America Garibay sent a long pass to downfield to Kayla Santa Monica who got past her defender for a breakaway. Goalkeeper Marisa Lam came off her line to break up the play before Santa Monica could fire a potential game-winning shot. Lam was injured on the play and replaced by Myann Johansen for the final 30 seconds of the match.
Ayanna Tobeck and Herboth led the Pirate attack with three shots and one on goal each. Andie Snell and Emma Ellerd each added a shot on target. Roderick finished the match with five saves in her fourth shutout.
Morgan Phalen led GFU with four shots and Maci Bowman led with two on goal. Lam made four saves.
Whitworth will close the season at home next weekend with matches against Pacific Lutheran and Puget Sound.
