McMINNVILLE, Ore. – McKenzie Heckman scored twice in a span of 70 seconds as Linfield women's soccer (8-5-2, 6-4-1 NWC) came back with three second-half goals to overcome an early deficit and defeat George Fox (2-12-1, 1-11-1 NWC) 3-1on Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats established an early offensive presence, generating several scoring opportunities in the opening 20 minutes. Lena Caballero Uhtoff recorded Linfield's first shot on goal in the fourth minute, while Marley Ells and Sophia Leiber each forced saves in the 18th and 19th minutes, respectively.
Despite Linfield's early pressure, George Fox broke through in the 37th minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Addie Eakin nearly brought the Wildcats even before halftime, putting a shot on goal in the 44th minute, but Linfield entered the break trailing by one.
Linfield came out aggressively in the second half, earning three corner kicks in the opening eight minutes. Lize Rendon generated three scoring opportunities between the 55th and 62nd minutes as the Wildcats continued searching for an equalizer.
The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute when Julia Alvarez found the back of the net for her third goal of the season, evening the match at 1-1. Alvarez's goal came on a direct corner kick, bending around the post and into the back of the net untouched.
 The Wildcats continued applying pressure, eventually taking their first lead in the 79th minute when Heckman scored her first goal of the afternoon, flipping the script on the 'Cats first-half deficit.
Just 70 seconds later, Heckman struck again, finishing a chance set up by Caballero Uhtoff in the 80th minute to extend Linfield's advantage to 3-1. The back-to-back goals completed the Wildcats' comeback and put the match out of reach.
Linfield dominated the second half statistically, outshooting George Fox 13-1 while earning 10 corner kicks. The Wildcats finished with a 19-7 advantage in shots, including nine on goal, and held a commanding 12-2 edge in corner kicks.
Heckman led Linfield with five shots, including two on target, while recording both the game-winning goal and an insurance goal. Rendon added three attempts, while Alvarez, Caballero Uhtoff and Leiber each contributed two. Alvarez finished with one goal, and Caballero Uhtoff recorded an assist.
Tati Zahajko played all 90 minutes in goal for the Wildcats, making four saves, including three in the opening half, to help keep Linfield within striking distance before the second-half comeback.
Women's soccer extended their unbeaten streak to five matches, and hopes to continue the winning ways tomorrow afternoon in Portland, taking on the Lewis & Clark River Otters at 2:45 p.m.
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