McMINNVILLE, Ore. –
Lize Rendon gave the Linfield Wildcats (4-5-1, 2-4-0 NWC) an early advantage, but Pacific Lutheran (5-2-3, 3-1-2 NWC) answered with two first-half goals to take the weekend finale.
Linfield wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Senior
Lize Rendon struck in the sixth minute for her third goal of the season, finishing a chance set up by
Lena Caballero Uhtoff to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Pacific Lutheran responded with the equalizer in the 13th minute before taking a 2-1 advantage in the 34th.
The Wildcats continued to create opportunities after falling behind.
Maddy France and
Amalia Tufts each put first-half attempts on goal, while Linfield entered halftime trailing by one despite putting three of its four shots on target.
Linfield's defense held Pacific Lutheran without a shot on goal in the second half, giving the Wildcats an opportunity to find an equalizer. Linfield earned three corner kicks after the break and generated two shots, including an attempt on goal from
Sophia Leiber in the 54th minute, but could not produce the tying score.
Linfield finished with six shots, four of which were on goal, while Pacific Lutheran recorded five shots and three on target.
Fia Swanson led the Wildcats with two attempts, while Rendon, Leiber, Tufts and France each recorded one.
Tati Zahajko played all 90 minutes in goal and made one save.
Women's soccer takes on Pacific next Saturday up north in Forest Grove, Oregon, before returning home to host Willamette next Sunday at 2:45 p.m.
To follow Linfield Wildcats coverage all season long, visit golinfieldwildcats.com. Please consider following Linfield Athletics on Facebook, and @LinfieldSports on Instagram and X.com.
