SALEM, Ore. – Linfield (0-4-1) and Willamette (1-4-0) entered the night each looking for a first win on Wednesday at Sparks Field in Salem. Each team wanted to start Northwest Conference play on top, but Willamette found more offensive opportunities taking the 3-0 win.
Willamette's Fernando Bitelli scored two goals, with the first coming in the opening two minutes of the match. And the second coming in the 70th minute off an assist from Drew Alexander. Jett Star iced the game with a third goal coming in the 85th minute and the assist coming from Luke Varav.
The Wildcats were held below their 1.5 goals per match average, falling behind in total shots 20-12. Linfield had five shots on goal. The Wildcats did have an advantage in corner kicks 5-1.
Cameron Gaines fired five shots with three landing on goal and
Evan Stafford also had a shot on goal. Freshman
Colby Reese earned his first start in goal for Linfield, totaling six saves.
The Wildcats made only two substitutions on the evening with the starters being leaned on heavily. Defenders
Angel Hernandez,
Keegan Brooks,
Aedan Carroll and
Ross Vargo played all 90 minutes for the Linfield back line.
Willamette played aggressively, totaling three yellow cards and 14 fouls. The Bearcats led in shots on goal 10-5 and Pierluca Carnovale finished with five saves.
NEXT
The Wildcats are on the road at George Fox on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Linfield stays on the road with a match at Lewis and Clark on Sept. 23 before returning to the Linfield Soccer and Lacrosse Complex for three straight home matches.
