Bearcats Fall to Wildcats in NWC Women’s Soccer Opener

Closeup of Sophie Cleland as she controls the ball for Willamette.
Sophie Cleland (Sr., M, Eugene, OR/North Eugene HS)
September 13, 2023
Digital Program Video Box Score

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. – Linfield University scored three goals in the first 26:05 against Willamette University in women's soccer on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams at Sparks Field. The Wildcats defeated the Bearcats, 6-0, as Linfield improved to 3-1-1 on the season, 1-0-0 in the NWC. The Bearcats fell to 0-4-1 overall, 0-1-0 in the NWC.

Janae Lewis scored 3:26 into the game on a 7-yard shot that was assisted by Kathryn Pearson. Anna Dazey added the next goal at 11:40 from 22 yards out, as she sent the ball high into the net. Jocelyn Jacobs assisted on the play. The Wildcats received their third goal on a shot by Jacobs on a 5-yard header following a 35-yard free kick by Mia Curtaz.

Curtaz also assisted on a goal by Jenna Stanley at 36:57, giving Linfield a 4-0 lead at halftime. Stanley scored the goal on a 6-yard header near the left post after Curtaz took a corner kick from the right side. Linfield held a 7-2 lead in total shots at halftime.

The Bearcats created more opportunities in the second half, although several high-quality shots and passes were stopped by Linfield's defense or goalkeeper Emilee Miller. Willamette created a total of five shots in the second half, including three shots on goal. Miller finished with four saves for the Wildcats.

Linfield added goals in the second half at 46:45 by Dazey and at 65:31 by Kamahie Samudio. Dazey's goal was her second of the game and fifth of the season. Sidra Griffin assisted on both of the second-half goals.

For the game, Linfield held an 18-7 margin in total shots and a 13-4 edge in shots on goal.  Jacobs and Dazey led all players with four total shots. Jacobs placed all four of her shots on target. Sophie Cleland (Sr., M, Eugene, OR/North Eugene HS) led Willamette with two total shots and one shot on goal.

The Bearcats are scheduled to play at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, Sept. 16. Kickoff will be at 12 p.m. PDT.