McMINNVILLE, Ore. – The Linfield men's soccer team's 2021 campaign came to an end Saturday afternoon as the Wildcats lost 1-0 to Willamette at Sparks Field.
 
Luke Varav scored the game-winning goal for the Bearcats in the 38^th minute off an assist by Ardem Baronian. Varav had three shots and two shots on goal while Baronian had two shots, both on goal. Sean Kim finished with a match-high four shots, three on goal, in 53 minutes off the bench.
 
The Bearcats outshot the Wildcats 15-7 with 12 shots on goal. The Wildcats registered two shots on goal and saw six of their shots come in the second half. The Bearcats had seven corner kicks while the 'Cats had none.
 
Freshman forward Cameron Gaines led the 'Cats with two shots, one on goal, in 71 minutes. Senior forward Cesar Cruz-Espindola had the other shot on goal. Senior midfielder Romario Mendoza, sophomore midfielder Logan Clizer and freshmen defenders Patrick Moes and Keegan Brooks all played the full 90 minutes.
 
Junior Julian Inches played the entire match in goal for the 'Cats. His 11 saves brought his season total to 82, which leads the Northwest Conference.
 
The 'Cats wrapped up their season at 1-15-2 overall and 0-12-2 in NWC play in Andrew Duvall's first full season as head coach. With a lot of young players expected to return in 2022, there is still a lot to look forward to.