MCMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield men's soccer (0-3-0) made their first appearance on home turf on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens (4-0-0), 3-1. Senior
Evan Stafford netted the 'Cats first goal of the season in the 22
nd minute to level the game early.
The match opened with a quick pace, as the Wildcats applied the pressure early offensively, forcing the Sagehens keeper to make a save. But, Pomona-Pitzer struck first in the sixth minute, taking an early 1-0 lead on the road.
The Wildcats responded with energy and equalized 15 minutes later. Senior
Evan Stafford was dealt a great ball from
Tate Bliss, defeating the one defender and netting the equalizer in the 22
nd minute.
Late in the first half, the 'Cats tried to fend off a push from the 'Hens, but a cross found the foot of a Linfield defender, and was shot in the top of the goal, giving Pomona-Pitzer a 2-1 lead at the break.
The tensions began to flare in the second half, with a total of seven cards issued for the match. The two squads traded blows with nothing to show on the scoreboard. Pomona-Pitzer eventually iced the match in the 88th minute, stretching the final score to 3–1.
The Wildcats matched the Sagehens in corners (5–5), and finished with seven shots—five on frame—highlighted by Stafford's goal and Kelly's two attempts.
Linfield gets back on their home turf this Monday night at 7:30 p.m., set to face a strong team in the Warner Pacific Knights of the Cascade Collegiate Conference.
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