WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Linfield Wildcats were narrowly defeated by the Whitman Blues, 1-0, in a Northwest Conference matchup on Sunday afternoon at Whitman Athletic Field. Despite generating multiple offensive chances and a solid defensive effort, Linfield couldn't capitalize, falling to 4-7-5 on the season and 3-7-3 in conference play.
The game's lone goal came in the 30th minute when Whitman's Virginia Hunt netted her fifth goal of the season, assisted by Anika Patel. Linfield goalkeeper
Alexa Fritz played all 90 minutes, making three crucial saves on Whitman's seven shots, but Hunt's early score ultimately proved to be the difference in the contest.
Linfield managed eight shots overall, with one on goal.
Reese Jones led the Wildcats with a strong performance off the bench, recording Linfield's only shot on target in the 88th minute.
Jordan Stoner also contributed two shots, while
Kami Echiverri,
Julia Alvarez,
Mia Curtaz, and
Marley Ells each added one to Linfield's total.
The Wildcats generated seven corner kicks, six of which came in the second half as they pressed for an equalizer. Linfield's offense saw a flurry of activity in the closing minutes, with shots by Curtaz and Tufts, but Whitman goalkeeper Seanee Still made a critical save to preserve the narrow lead for the Blues.
With the loss, Linfield remains sixth in the Northwest Conference standings with just three matches remaining on the season.
NEXT
Linfield prepares for a matchup with Lewis & Clark on Wednesday at the Linfield Soccer Complex at 7:45 p.m.
