PORTLAND, Ore. - Linfield secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lewis & Clark in a Northwest Conference matchup at Griswold Stadium in dominant fashion. The Wildcats improved to 2-9-0 overall and 1-6-0 in conference play with the victory.
Linfield got off to a quick start, capitalizing on an early foul by Lewis & Clark just 3 minutes into the match.
E.J. Sablan stepped up to convert a penalty kick, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Linfield dominated possession throughout the first half, registering 11 shots while keeping the Pioneers without an attempt.
The aggressiveness on offense didn't stop in the second half. The Wildcats extended their lead in the 62nd minute when
Cade Alaniz netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Sablan, who was a constant offensive threat.
Lewis & Clark fought back late, finding the back of the net in the 85th minute. Aashir Walson scored off an assist from Sam London to narrow the deficit, but Linfield's defense held firm to secure the victory.
For the Wildcats,
Sid Kosaris led in shots with six while
Keegan Brooks finished with three. Sablan,
Reece Gaines, and
Tate Bliss rounded out the shots with two each.
The Pioneers were guided by Aashir Walson who recorded four shots along with Ben Schwartz and Daniel Estoll who finished with one shot each.
Goalkeeper
Jacob Toves recorded two saves for Linfield, while Lewis & Clark's Micaiah Garan had four saves in a strong effort for the home team.
NEXT
Linfield's won't play again until Friday, Oct. 11 against George Fox at the Linfield Soccer Complex at 5 p.m.
