MCMINNVILLE, Ore.. --- Men's soccer (1-10-1, 1-6-1 NWC) fell to the George Fox Bruins (4-5-4, 2-4-3 NWC) in a high-scoring shootout on Saturday.
 
The Wildcat offense wasted no time in continuing their goal-scoring momentum from last weekend. Just 56-seconds into the match, sophomore midfielder Tate Bliss put Linfield ahead 1–0, converting a rebounded shot from senior forward Davidson Kathman. The quick-strike goal marked Bliss's second of the season and was Linfield's fastest goal of the year, coming before the first minute had expired.
 
George Fox equalized in the 17th minute, making it 1–1 early in the match. The rest of the half saw both teams exchange opportunities, with Linfield's Evan Stafford and Jaren Nishikawa each firing shots on goal that forced saves from the George Fox keeper. Linfield goalkeeper Jacob Toves made a pair of first-half stops to keep the match even going into the break

After halftime, the match remained balanced until the 52nd minute when the Bruins struck again. Linfield continued to push forward, generating corner opportunities and testing the Fox defense with shots from Nick Reggiani and Ross Vargo. The Bruins were able to extend their lead late in the match, slotting home a rebounded shot to make it 3-1 late.
 
With the clock winding down, the Wildcats kept their composure and were rewarded for their persistence in the 89th minute. Defender Anderson Kelly connected on a header from just inside the box, assisted by midfielder Oliver Blanchard, to bring Linfield within one at 3–2. The score marked Kelly's first goal of the season.
 
George Fox responded almost immediately, less than 30 seconds after Kelly's tally, the Bruins sealed the outcome, scoring in the 89th minute to seal the match at 4-2.
 
Linfield finished with 13 shots, compared to 15 for George Fox. The Wildcats recorded seven shots on goal and committed 14 fouls, while the Bruins were whistled for 12. Kelly received Linfield's lone yellow card in the 40th minute, and the Wildcats drew three saves from the Bruins keeper in the second half. 
 
Men's soccer closes out the weekend on the road tomorrow afternoon in a match-up against the Lewis & Clark Pioneers in Portland at 2:45 p.m.
 
To follow Linfield Wildcats coverage all season long, visit golinfieldwildcats.com. Please consider following Linfield Athletics on Facebook, and @LinfieldSports on Instagram and X.com. 
 
 

 
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