George Fox Downs Northwest Christian University, 2-1

(NEWBERG, Ore. ) —  It was a night to remember at Austin Sports Complex, as George Fox University's men's soccer team beat the Beacons of Northwest Christian University, 2-1.

It was a quick start for the Bruins after Luke Hammer found the back of the net off a header to give GFU a 1-0 lead.

Both teams traded possession back and forth until the Beacons caught a break at mid-field and started a counter-attack after a Bruin corner kick. The counter-attack was led by Chris Hendler who found Angel Sandoval inside the box to deliver the equalizer at the 11^th minute.

The Beacons out-shot the Bruins 8-7 going into the half as the score was knotted at 1-1.

The second half was filled with excitement as both teams produced great opportunities and chances to get the go-ahead goal.

The Bruin' defense stuck to its line and kept the Beacons at bay, while keeping possession on their side. The Bruins drew three corner kicks and got the crowd on its feet with the third one after the ball came bouncing off the cross bar.

With each attack getting stronger and stronger the Bruins started to gain momentum with every shot they hit at NCU's goalkeeper Bren Bletscher. Although the momentum was on GFU's side, the game clock showed no favoritism as extra time started to creep up on both teams.

The Bruins mustered up one more attack in the final seconds of the game, but were unable to find the back of the net.

In the first period of extra time, fatigue started to set in for both teams as the shot count only produced one shot by the Bruins.

Luke Dickens led the charge in the second side of extra time and found himself with a 1-on-1 on the far right side of the field. He was able to make a nice move past the defender and send a cross into the box, where Daniel Alonzo was patiently waiting. Alonzo then gave the crowd what they had been asking for all game with the go-ahead goal and the first win of the season.

"Champions are made from something deep down inside of them- a desire, a dream, and a vision," said Alonzo. "We praise God when we win and when we lose."

GFU finished the game with 19 shots, as Dickens recorded seven of his own with two on goal. Ricardo Sotelo received the start in the net and saw 18 shots, allowing one goal with six saves.

The Bruins improve to 1-0 on the season and will play next at Colorado College on Sept. 5.

Source: George Fox Athletics