Linfield University Athletics

McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield women's soccer (7-5-2, 5-4-1 NWC) controlled the offensive tempo throughout Sunday's Northwest Conference matchup, outshooting Whitman (7-4-3, 6-3-1 NWC) 15-3, but neither team could find the back of the net as the Wildcats and Blues battled to a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

The Wildcats established early offensive control, generating 10 shots in the opening half while holding third-place Whitman to just one attempt. Lena Caballero Uhtoff created Linfield's first opportunity in the fifth minute before putting a shot on goal in the 16th minute. Marley Ells followed with another attempt on target less than a minute later, but both opportunities were turned away.

Linfield continued applying pressure throughout the first half, with Caballero Uhtoff forcing another save in the 23rd minute. Maddy France added a shot on goal in the 37th minute, while Lize Rendon, Fia Swanson, Julia Alvarez and McKenzie Heckman also generated scoring opportunities. Despite holding a 10-1 advantage in shots, the Wildcats entered halftime tied at 0-0.

The Wildcats maintained their offensive pressure after the break, earning three second-half corner kicks and recording five additional shots. Swanson opened the second-half attack with an attempt in the 51st minute, while Caballero Uhtoff added another opportunity in the 55th.

Whitman created its most dangerous opportunities in the second half, putting both of its shots on target. However, Linfield goalkeeper Tati Zahajko turned away both attempts to preserve the scoreless draw.

Caballero Uhtoff led the Wildcats with four shots, including two on goal, while France contributed three attempts and two shots on target. Rendon added three shots, Swanson finished with two, and Ells, Alvarez and Heckman each recorded one. Linfield finished with five shots on goal and held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Zahajko played all 90 minutes in goal, making two saves to earn the 'Cats second shutout of the weekend. The Wildcats' defense limited Whitman to just three total shots, including only one attempt in the opening half.

It was a dominant weekend defensively for the Wildcats, outshooting their opponents 29-6. 

The 'Cats hope to bring the stout defense into next weekend, hosting the George Fox Bruins on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. for Fall Family Weekend. 

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