NEWBERG, Ore. --- Linfield women's soccer (10-5-5, 8-5-3 NWC) ended their best season since 2016 with a win on Sunday afternoon, defeating the George Fox Bruins (0-12-7, 0-11-5 NWC) 1-0. 
 
Linfield dictated play from the opening whistle, generating multiple early scoring chances while holding George Fox to just one shot in the first 45 minutes. The Wildcats fired shots at the Bruin defense with nine first-half attempts, six of which came from forward Kamahie Samudio and midfielder McKenzie Heckman. Both players forced early saves from the George Fox  goalkeeper. 
 
Corner kicks came in waves for Linfield—seven in the first half alone—as the Wildcats maintained pressure. Defender Reese Jones nearly converted late in the half with a low shot to the left post that Lam turned away in the 43rd minute. Despite the sustained possession, the match went to halftime tied 0-0.
 
The Wildcats' relentless attack finally paid off in the 54th minute when Heckman netted the game's lone goal. Freshman midfielder Lize Rendon set up the play, threading an assist through traffic that found Heckman in stride near the top of the box. Heckman's finish into the left corner put Linfield ahead 1-0 and gave Heckman her first goal of the season.

From there, the Wildcats outshot the Bruins 12-2 in the second half and continued to apply pressure. Amalia Tufts and Jocelyn Jacobs each placed shots on target, while defenders Jenna Stanley and Sofia Pietrok anchored a back line that prevented any significant George Fox attack.
 
Goalkeeper Alexa Fritz earned the clean sheet with three saves, including a stop on a 78th-minute attempt from the Bruins that preserved the lead. The Wildcats rotated heavily throughout the match—22 players saw action—as head coach Steve Simmons utilized his full roster. Despite the substitutions, Linfield's defensive shape remained steady, and George Fox managed only three total shots in the contest.
 
Linfield outshot George Fox 21-3 and held a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Wildcats also dominated set pieces, earning 10 corner kicks compared to the Bruins' two. Heckman led all players with three shots and the game-winner, while Samudio registered six attempts and three on frame. Rendon finished with the lone assist, and Fritz recorded her ninth shutout of the season
 
Women's soccer's season comes to an end, finishing in third in the Northwest Conference standings, their best finish under head coach Steve Simmons, and the best since 2016. Senior Lize Rendon led the Wildcats in scoring this season, with five goals and three assists, totaling 13 points. Senior Jenna Stanley also scored five goals for ten points this season. 15-different Wildcats found the back of the net, with help coming from Mia Curtaz who led the team with six assists, the second most in the conference. Junior goalkeeper Alexa Fritz was a staple in the lineup all season long, recording nine shutouts, the third-most in the NWC. 
 
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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