Strong Second Half Gives Bearcats 3-1 Win in NWC Opener

By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

McMINNVILLE, Ore. – After a scoreless first half the Willamette University women's soccer team outscored host Linfield University 3-1 to win its Northwest Conference opener on Saturday, Sept. 18.

The Bearcats held an 8-1 advantage in shots in the opening half but were unable to put a goal on the board before the break. Willamette took a 1-0 lead, early in the second half when Aanya Friedeman (So., M, Camas, WA/Camas) found an open shot in the middle of the field and struck into the bottom left corner in the 52nd minute.

Linfield pulled even just over 10 minutes later, on an unassisted goal from Izzy Chauls. Chauls had an opportunity to put the Wildcats on top in the 81st minute as her shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

That led to a counter-attack with Willamette first-year Nina Krassner-Cybulski (Fy., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) tapping in her own rebound off the bar for a 2-1 lead with just over seven minutes to play in regulation.

Three minutes later, Clara Mattison (Jr., M, Burlington, WA/Burlington Edison HS) added an insurance goal, hitting a long shot from 32 yards out.

Linfield had a chance to add a goal in the final minute as Rachel Compton (So., GK, Lake Stevens, WA/Lake Stevens HS) turned away a shot with her sixth save of the afternoon. Sam Borngasser (Fy., GK, Grants Pass, Ore./Grants Pass) was in the net in the first half but did not face any shots on goal.

Linfield tallied eight shots in the second half with Willamette adding nine to finish the match with a 17-9 advantage, holding a 5-2 edge in corners.

Willamette improves to 2-3-0 on the season and starts conference play 1-0-0. Linfield slips to 1-3-1 and 0-1-0 in the NWC. The Bearcats return home to face Pacific University tomorrow afternoon in another NWC match-up at 12 p.m. (PDT) on Sparks Field.