McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield men's soccer (2-3-3, 1-1-1 NWC) broke through twice in the second half and turned in a dominant defensive performance to earn a 2-0 NWC victory over Lewis & Clark (1-7-0, 1-4-0 NWC). It marked the first time Linfield won their NWC home opener since 2019.
After controlling much of the opening half but entering the break scoreless, the Wildcats found the breakthrough in the 53rd minute.
Beckham Poirot scored his first goal of the season off an assist from
Caleb Ishizaka to put Linfield ahead 1-0. Shortly after the go-ahead score, Lewis & Clark was handed a red card, forcing the Otters to play the remainder of the match with 10 on the field.
Gaines then doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, scoring his second goal of the season with
Johann Singh Sanchez providing the assist. Gaines just beat the Otters keeper to the ball, sending a header on-target that got too deep for the defense to recover.
Linfield controlled the attacking opportunities throughout the match, outshooting Lewis & Clark 15-3 and putting seven shots on goal.
Caleb Ishizaka and Gaines led the Wildcats with four shots apiece, with Gaines putting three on target. Poirot added two shots, including his game-winning goal, while Singh Sanchez recorded two attempts and an assist.
The Wildcats' defense allowed just three shots over 90 minutes.
Colby Reese stopped both shots that reached his goal to secure the shutout, making one save in each half. Linfield also held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks while keeping Lewis & Clark off the scoreboard for the entirety of the match.
The 2-0 shutout gave the Wildcats their first win in a Northwest Conference home opener since a 2019 win over Whitworth.
Â
Linfield looks to bring the momentum across the county to Newberg tomorrow afternoon, taking on the George Fox Bruins at 12 p.m.
Â
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.Â
Â
Â
Â
