MCMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield women's soccer (8-5-5, 6-5-3 NWC) closed the weekend on Sunday morning, falling 2-0 to the now-conference-leading Puget Sound Loggers (11-2-5, 10-0-4 NWC).
   
The Wildcats generated early offense with shots from Ruby Lacktrup and Mia Curtaz in the opening minutes, testing the UPS goalkeeper. Curtaz's drive on frame in the 5th minute marked Linfield's best early look, while forwards Amalia Tufts and Kamahie Samudio created space through play on the wings.
 
Reese Jones, Sofia Pietrok, and Marley Ells anchored a disciplined Linfield back line, clearing multiple crosses and forcing UPS into offsides three times before halftime. The half ended with Linfield trailing 1-0 at the break.

Linfield opened the second half aggressively, earning three corner kicks between the 55th and 58th minutes. Curtaz fired another shot on target in the 59th, forcing the Loggers keeper into a diving save. The Wildcats' offensive energy grew behind midfielders Sarah Robbins and Lize Rendon, who controlled stretches of possession and advanced the attack up field.
 
Puget Sound doubled its lead in the 82nd minute, scoring off a corner kick to make it 2-0. Despite the setback, Linfield continued pressing in the closing minutes, with Jocelyn Jacobs and Curtaz each pushing forward in search of a response. Curtaz earned a penalty kick late in the match, but her shot was stopped with a diving save from the Loggers goalkeeper, maintaining the shutout.
 
Linfield finished with five total shots, including three on goal, while Puget Sound recorded 12 shots and six on target. Fritz made four saves across 90 minutes, highlighted by three in the second half to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. Curtaz led Linfield with three shots and two on frame, while Lacktrup and Lena Caballero Uhtoff each added one attempt.
 
The Wildcats have one week of Northwest Conference action left to play, taking on George Fox on the road next Sunday after hosting Lewis & Clark on Saturday at 11 a.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. 
 
 

 
  Read Full Article