McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Two goals just minutes apart in the first half past the College of Idaho Yotes past the LInfield Wildcats 2-0 in nonconference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon at the Linfield Soccer Field.
 
First Half
Katelyn Benavidez opened the scoring for the Yotes just two minutes after taking the field as a substitute. Taking a pass from Mackenzie Malach, Benavidez beat Wildcats goalie Sarah Bailey one-on-one.
 
About two minutes later, Bailey Watson converted College of Idaho's second goal, flicking in a Benavidez corner kick to give the Yotes a 2-0 advantage.
 
Second Half
The teams battled back and forth in the second period. However, Linfield gathered the more efficient shots on goal. With about five minutes remaining, Linfield's Carole Thomas played a through ball to an on-running Michayla Sponsel, who appeared to have a one-on-one opportunity with College of Idaho netminder Brittany Houghton. But Houghton beat Sponsel to the ball just a split-second early and smothered it, preserving her side's 2-0 margin.
 
Leading Wildcats
Thomas led the Wildcats with three shots, one of which found the target. Anne Ferguson and Natalie Amara each totaled two shot attempts. Bailey finished the afternoon with two saves. The Wildcats attempted 11 free kicks in the match.
 
Top Yotes
Jocelyn Cook-Cox and Watson paced the Yotes with three shots each. Benavidez and Malach notched assists on each goal. College of Idaho outshot the hosts 13-12. Houghton had three saves.
 
Where They Stand
Linfield falls to .500 with a 2-2 record. The Yotes pick up their first win of the season and stand at 1-3.
 
Next
The Wildcats open up the Northwest Conference slate with a trip to Tacoma, Wash., to take on the Puget Sound Loggers. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.