McMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield women's soccer (5-0-3, 3-0-1 NWC) extended its unbeaten start to the 2025 season with a decisive 2-0 win over Whitworth (0-4-3, 0-2-1 NWC) on Sunday afternoon.
The Wildcats wasted no time grabbing the advantage. Less than three minutes into the contest, Linfield capitalized off an early corner, with an own-goal off of the Pirates credited at the 2:16 mark, put the Wildcats ahead 1-0.
Jocelyn Jacobs and
Jenna Stanley each tested the Whitworth goalkeeper with quality efforts, while Sydney Gardner added another shot on frame, but Whitworth managed to hold the scoreline at 1-0 going into halftime. The strong Linfield back line held Whitworth to just two shots through the first 45-minutes.
After the break, Linfield continued to dictate play and protect its lead through disciplined defending and strong possession in midfield. Whitworth wouldn't go away, taking three shots through the first 20-minutes, but neither could get on-frame.
The insurance goal came in the 83rd minute when senior midfielder
Lize Rendon struck for her fifth goal of the season, finishing off a setup from defender
Marley Ells. Rendon's effort sealed the match, giving Linfield the cushion it needed to see out the final minutes. Rendon continues to be a force on offense for the Wildcats, remaining tied for second amongst NWC strikers with five goals early in the season.
Goalkeeper
Alexa Fritz anchored the Wildcats' defense, finishing with three second-half saves to preserve the clean sheet; her fourth of the season, and a conference-best. The back line, led by veterans
Reese Jones,
Jenna Stanley, and
Parker Vale, limited Whitworth to just three shots on goal all afternoon. Offensively, the 'Cats took 12 shots to the Pirates seven.
Fia Swanson,
Jenna Stanley, and
Jocelyn Jacobs, led the way with two each.
The 'Cats look to a quick turnaround in three days, where they will host the Willamette Bearcats at home at 5 p.m. next Wednesday, October 1
st. Linfield dominated the first matchup with Willamette, taking a 4-1 win at their place.
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