Linfield University Athletics

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Linfield women's soccer (2-2-1, 0-1 NWC) let in an early score, fought hard to find an  equalizer, ultimately falling 1-0 to Whitman in the Northwest Conference opener Saturday afternoon.

Whitman scored the match's lone goal in the 10th minute, putting the Wildcats behind early despite an otherwise even opening half. Linfield responded by creating its first shot on goal in the 15th minute when Melania Valdez forced a save, followed shortly afterward by the Wildcats' first corner kick.

Linfield continued searching for the equalizer late in the half. Fia Swanson sent an attempt high in the 44th minute before the Wildcats earned another corner in the final minute of the period. The score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.

The Wildcats maintained the pressure on offense during the second half and limited Whitman to just one shot over the final 45 minutes. Amalie Anderson generated Linfield's first best chance of the second half in the 66th minute before putting another attempt on goal in the 71st.

Anderson's shot on target was followed by a corner kick, and Lize Rendon put another attempt on goal less than a minute later as the Wildcats continued to push for the tying score.

The Wildcats earned their fourth corner kick in the 82nd minute but were unable to break through before the final whistle.

Linfield finished with a 5-4 advantage in total shots and put three attempts on goal. Anderson led the Wildcats with two shots, including one on target, while Valdez and Rendon each put their lone attempts on goal. Swanson accounted for Linfield's other shot.

The Wildcats also held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks and surrendered only four shots throughout the match. Tati Zahajko played all 90 minutes in goal, making three saves and keeping Linfield within a goal throughout the afternoon.