Linfield University Athletics

EUGENE, Ore. – Linfield women's soccer (0-1-0) battled Bushnell through nearly 80 scoreless minutes before two late goals sent the Wildcats to a 2-0 defeat Tuesday night at Civic Park. 

Linfield generated the early pressure, earning four corner kicks in the opening 19 minutes. Sofia Pietrok had a header blocked in the eighth minute before Ava Vargas put the Wildcats' first shot on goal a little more than a minute later. Goalkeeper Tati Zahajko helped keep the match scoreless at halftime with three first-half saves.

The Wildcats continued to create opportunities after the break. Julia Alvarez produced back-to-back attempts in the 56th minute, while Linfield earned four more corner kicks in the second half. Fia Swanson provided one of the Wildcats' best chances in the 76th minute, directing a header on goal that was saved.

Bushnell broke the deadlock in the 79th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Linfield pushed forward in search of an equalizer, getting late attempts from Mia Arellano and Lean Caballero Uhtoff, but the Beacons added an insurance goal with just eight seconds remaining.

Linfield finished with an 8-7 advantage in shots and an 8-0 edge in corner kicks. Vargas and Swanson recorded the Wildcats' two shots on goal, while Zahajko finished with three saves in her 90 minutes in goal.

The Wildcats aim to bounce back this Sunday at home, hosting St. Thomas (Texas) at 11 a.m. at the Linfield Soccer Complex.
 
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