Entering his fifth year as Linfield's head men's soccer coach, Andrew Duvall has shown consistent improvement from season to season since taking over at the start of the 2020 season.
 
According to Duvall, consistency and accountability set this team apart from those in recent history.
 
"From a management perspective, it has been the easiest preseason I've had here by far," said Duvall. "That's because our older players have been so outstanding at holding a high standard for themselves and everybody else underneath them."
 
The Upperclassmen
 The Wildcats look to lean heavily on the play and leadership of returning seniors Sid Kosaris, Cameron Gaines, and Angel Hernandez. In 2023, Hernandez earned a second team all-league selection while Sid Kosaris not only led the team with six goals scored but also earned second team all-NWC honors.
 
Juniors Sam Haynes, Evan Stafford, and Aedan Carroll are also expected to make an impact for this team as the trio combined for 3,826 minutes played last season.
 
Consistency is Key
 Coach Duvall hammered home the point that this season comes down to consistency.
 
"For us it's about consistency. Trying to remain consistent in our mindset. Consistent in our work rate," Duvall said. "Don't change a whole lot. Continue to trust in what you know has established you."
 
If the Wildcats maintain this consistent growth and build off the progress seen last season, this could be a dangerous team in the NWC during the 2024 season.
 
Season Outlook
Linfield was able to find success at home in 2023, going 4-4-2 and averaging over three goals in the four home wins. With nine home matches this season, Linfield is hopeful to build off last year's success and climb up the Northwest Conference table.
 
The Wildcats drew a tough nonconference schedule including a two-game trip to Virginia where they face Bridgewater College and Eastern Mennonite University before beginning Northwest Conference play on Sept. 15 against Pacific.
 
Linfield begins the season Friday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. when they travel to Eugene to face Bushnell before returning for the home opener on Monday, Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m. against Warner Pacific.