McMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield men's soccer turned in a determined defensive effort but fell 1-0 to visiting Whitworth on Sunday afternoon.
Linfield nearly grabbed momentum in the 10th minute with back-to-back looks from forwards
Evan Stafford and
Davidson Kathman, but both attempts missed just wide. Whitworth capitalized moments later, breaking through in the 15th minute to put the Pirates ahead 1-0 early.
Sam Haynes tested the defense with a shot in the 16th minute, and midfielder
Tate Bliss followed with a dangerous attempt on frame in the 40th minute, forcing a save from the Whitworth keeper. Linfield entered halftime trailing 1-0.
Linfield continued to battle after the break. The defense, anchored by
Aedan Carroll,
Blake Tasci, and
Anderson Kelly, held Whitworth to just one goal despite 16 total shots on the day. Toves was sharp in net, finishing with four saves, including a diving stop in the 62nd minute to keep the Wildcats within striking distance.
Fresh legs off the bench gave Linfield late pushes.
Ross Vargo and
Jaren Nishikawa both managed shots, while substitutes
Julian Lara-Martinez and
Jose Yanez added energy to the midfield. Whitworth held on late, knocking off the Wildcats, 1-0. The second one-goal difference of the weekend for men's soccer. Seven different 'Cats fired shots on Sunday, with
Jaren Nishikawa and
Tate Bliss earning the lone pair on-target.
Men's soccer is back on the pitch this Wednesday night at 7:45 p.m., set to host the Willamette Bearcats under the lights.
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