Linfield University Athletics

McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Dani Paz scored his second goal of the season to bring Linfield even in the second half, but Willamette (4-5-2, 4-3-2 NWC) answered just minutes later to hand Linfield Mens soccer (3-6-3, 2-4-2 NWC) a 2-1 Northwest Conference loss Sunday afternoon at the Linfield Soccer Complex. 

The Wildcats battled through a competitive opening half, generating four shots while goalkeeper Jacob Toves helped keep the Bearcats off the scoreboard with two saves. Willamette eventually broke through in the 39th minute, finding the back of the net to take a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Linfield responded with increased offensive pressure after the break, eventually finding the equalizer in the 55th minute. Paz converted a penalty kick to tie the match at 1-1, giving the Wildcats momentum heading into the final 35 minutes.

However, Willamette answered just four minutes later, scoring what proved to be the game-winning penalty kick to regain a 2-1 advantage. Linfield continued searching for another equalizer, recording nine second-half shots and putting four on target, but was unable to overcome the deficit.

The Wildcats finished with 13 shots, including five on goal, while Willamette recorded 18 shots and seven on target. Caleb Ishizaka led Linfield with three attempts, while Johann Singh Sanchez and Beckham Poirot each added two. Singh Sanchez put both of his attempts on goal, while Julian Lara-Martinez and Joe Hetherington each recorded a shot on target.

Toves played all 90 minutes in goal for the Wildcats, making five saves, including three in the second half. 

The 'Cats completed the first half of NWC action on Sunday, sitting seventh in the conference standings. They will host Whitworth and Whitman at home next Friday and Sunday. 

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