Two First Half Goals Lead Wildcats Past Willamette, 2-1

By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

SALEM, Ore. – Visiting Linfield University capitalized on a penalty kick late in the first half to regain the lead and went on to top host Willamette University, 2-1, on Saturday, October 22 at Sparks Field. With the win, the Wildcats improved to 4-6-5 overall and 2-5-4 in the Northwest Conference while the Bearcats slipped to 5-8-1 and 3-7-1 on the season.

The teams traded possession throughout the first half, but neither team was able to generate many quality scoring opportunities. Linfield put its first goal on the board with a well-executed corner from Mia Curtaz to the head of Bella Hanna, who redirected the ball into the corner of the net in the 18th minute.

Willamette pulled even on a beautifully placed shot off the foot of Nina Krassner-Cybulski (So., F, Porter Ranch, CA/Agoura HS) with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Krassner-Cybulski carried the ball to the end line and bent a shot just inside the far post to pull the Bearcats even.

Linfield regained the lead with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, earning a penalty kick on a handball inside the area. Makenna Blix converted the try for what would prove to be the final tally of the afternoon.

The Wildcats held a slim edge in shots, holding a 6-5 advantage over the opening 45 minutes. They put four attempts on target, forcing a pair of saves from sophomore goalkeeper Sam Borngasser (Grants Pass, OR/Grants Pass) before the break.

Willamette kept the pressure on, generating three shots early in the second half as Alexa Fritz turned away two attempts while the other went just wide of the post. Krassner-Cybulski and Ella Abraham (So., F, Lexington, KY/Lafayette HS) put back-to-back shots on goal with about 25 minutes to play, but Fritz continued to be strong in the net.

The Bearcats forced Fritz to make six saves in the second half to give her nine for the match while Borngasser added a pair to finish with four on the afternoon. Linfield held a 3-1 advantage in corners in the first half with the Bearcats holding a 3-1 edge in the second.

Linfield travels to Lewis & Clark on Sunday. Willamette is also on the road on Sunday, traveling to Pacific Lutheran with both matches set to begin at 12 p.m. (PDT).