PORTLAND, Ore. --- Linfield women's soccer (7-2-4, 5-2-2 NWC) earned their second shutout of the weekend, while senior
Mia Curtaz scored the game-winner on a penalty kick in the second half, giving the 'Cats a 1-0 win over Lewis & Clark (2-7-3, 2-4-2 NWC).
The opening half featured disciplined defending from both sides. Linfield maintained the majority of possession, taking the first shot attempt of the game in the 29
th minute.
Lize Rendon found the 'Cats only shot on-goal for the half, while the Linfield defense kept Lewis & Clark without a single shot in the first 45 minutes. The match entered halftime still tied at 0-0.
After halftime, the Wildcats earned consecutive corners in the 62nd minute, with
Reese Jones' shot missing the target wide. The offense continued to apply the pressure, which ultimately led to
Lena Caballero Uhtoff getting fouled by the Pios goalkeeper inside the box, awarding Linfield a penalty kick.
Mia Curtaz fired the PK for Linfield, converting from the spot in the 66th minute, sending her shot past the Pios keeper to give Linfield a 1-0 lead.
The goal proved decisive as the Wildcats controlled the final 25 minutes, limiting the Pioneers to just three total shots and one on frame. Goalkeeper
Alexa Fritz made a key save in the 89th minute to preserve the clean sheet, denying Lewis & Clark's header off of a corner kick.
Linfield's defensive unit, featuring Pietrok, Jones,
Marley Ells, and
Jenna Stanley, was outstanding, holding the Pioneers to just three shots in the match. Fritz's lone save sealed her sixth shutout of the season, keeping pace at the top of the conference ranks in total shutouts.
In attack, Rendon led the team with two shots on goal, while Curtaz's penalty conversion marked her first of the year and stood as the game-winner.
McKenzie Heckman and
Reese Jones each added a shot as the Wildcats outshot Lewis & Clark 5-3 overall. Linfield outscored their opponents three goals to none this weekend, earning a pair of wins, and remaining steady in third place in the NWC women's soccer table.
Women's soccer returns home to face Pacific this Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. The 'Cats defeated the Boxers at their place, 3-0, earlier this Fall.
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