MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — The Linfield Wildcats secured a 3-0 shutout over Lewis & Clark on Wednesday night at the Linfield Soccer Complex, delivering a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.
Linfield wasted no time setting the tone, with sophomore midfielder
E.J. Sablan netting the first goal just 5 minutes into the game. Sablan's goal, assisted by
Sid Kosaris, marked his seventh of the season and put Linfield up 1-0. The Wildcats kept the pressure high, recording three corner kicks and nine shots in the first half alone.
The Wildcats continued their offensive momentum, adding to the lead in the 35th minute when
Cameron Gaines converted a penalty kick. Just over a minute later,
Ross Vargo extended the lead to 3-0 with his first goal of the season, assisted by
Tate Bliss. Linfield went into halftime firmly in control, outshooting the Pioneers 9-3 in the opening half.
In the second half, Linfield kept up its offensive aggression, adding 11 more shots and forcing Lewis & Clark goalkeeper Micaiah Garan into several key saves. Garan finished with seven saves across both halves but couldn't stop the Wildcats' attack.
Defensively, Linfield goalkeeper
Colby Reese recorded his first clean sheet of the season, making four saves. Reese was tested early but made three crucial stops in the first half, preserving Linfield's lead and shutting down any chance for a Lewis & Clark comeback.
The Wildcats ended the match with a commanding 20-4 shot advantage, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. Linfield's defense was equally impressive, with the Wildcats maintaining their discipline despite accumulating 12 fouls and a handful of cautions.
NEXT
Linfield prepares for senior day next Saturday when it faces Willamette at 11 a.m. at the Linfield Soccer Complex.
