SALEM, Ore. – Lena Caballero Uhtoff delivered the game-winning goal in the 85th minute as Linfield women's soccer (10-7-2, 8-6-1 NWC) earned a 1-0 victory over Willamette (7-8-2, 5-8-2 NWC) on Friday evening, tying last season's totals for overall and conference wins.
Linfield established control early, with Melania Valdez recording three shots in the opening 14 minutes. The Wildcats continued applying pressure, earning three corner kicks in the first 17 minutes while limiting Willamette's opportunities on the opposite end.
Funk made her first save of the evening in the 27th minute to keep the match scoreless. Linfield responded with a scoring opportunity in the 35th minute when Sydney Garner placed a shot on target, but the attempt was saved.
The Wildcats nearly broke through in the closing minutes of the first half when Hailey Shride struck the crossbar in the 41st minute. Fia Swanson and Sarah Robbins followed with additional attempts before halftime, but neither team could find the back of the net as the match remained scoreless through 45 minutes.
Linfield continued searching for the opening goal after the break, with Caballero Uhtoff forcing a save in the 50th minute. Swanson added another shot on target in the 64th minute before Valdez rattled the crossbar in the 65th, marking the Wildcats' second attempt off the crossbar.
Willamette's offense applied pressure midway through the second half, generating several scoring opportunities. Funk helped keep the Wildcats level with consecutive saves in the 70th and 71st minutes before adding stops in the 74th and 79th minutes.
With the match approaching its final minutes, Funk delivered another crucial save in the 84th minute to preserve the shutout.Â
Linfield finally broke through at the 84:04 mark when Caballero Uhtoff scored her second goal of the season off an assist from Maddy France. The late strike gave the Wildcats a 1-0 advantage with just under six minutes remaining.
The Wildcats' defense held firm over the final stretch, preventing Willamette from generating another shot. Swanson recorded Linfield's final attempt in the 90th minute as the Wildcats secured their 10th victory of the season.
Linfield finished with 14 shots, including four on goal, while Willamette recorded 15 shots and six on target. Valdez led the Wildcats with four attempts, followed by Swanson with three. Caballero Uhtoff contributed two shots, both on goal, while Garner, Shride, Sophia Leiber, Amalia Tufts and Robbins each added one.
Funk played all 90 minutes in goal, making six saves to earn her sixth shutout of the season, the third most by a goalkeeper in the NWC this season. The Wildcats held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, including a 3-0 margin in the opening half.
Women's soccer is set to honor seven members of the 2026-27 senior class this Sunday at home against Pacific, taking on the Boxers at 1:45 p.m. at the Linfield Soccer Complex.
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