The Wildcats earned a win while visiting the Willamette Bearcats on a wet, Saturday evening at Sparks Field in Salem, Ore.

Playing under the lights after an afternoon of rain, the Wildcats made a showing.

Linfield held possession well throughout the game, attempting 13 shots to Willamette’s seven in the first half.

In the 13th minute, Ivan Colin, ’16, stole the ball from a defender and dribbled from the left side of the field and shot into the right corner of the goal, unassisted to make the score 1-0. This was Colin’s first goal of the season.

Over the next 17 minutes, the ’Cats took 10 shots until halftime.

In the second half things calmed down. Linfield only made six shots, and Willamette attempted to step up their game with four shots.

In the 53rd minute, off of a corner kick, the Wildcats scored again. This time by Alexander Gosselin, ’16, assisted by Colin to make the score 2-0.

The Wildcats and Bearcats ended up dead even on corner kicks for the game.

Goalkeeper Jorge Rodriguez, ’17, registered the win for Linfield with three saves. However, Rodriquez did not make a save in the second half but did knock the ball away on several occasions and cut off connecting passes making it difficult for Willamette to score.

Both teams were relatively physical tallying 15 fouls for each team.

Moi Diaz led all players with most shots on goal. Linfield defeated Willamette 2-0.

Brian DeGrandmont, ’17, said, “The game went very well, and we were a cohesive unit.”

DeGrandmont said the communication was maintained throughout the game but said it is something that can always be improved upon. He also has high hopes for the remainder of the season.

“We’re hoping this game is a turning point to the rest of our season, and if we play like that every game not a lot of teams will be able to stop us,” DeGrandmont said.

Linfield is now 3-4 in the Northwest Conference.

Next weekend, the Linfield Wildcats take on Puget Sound on Saturday, October 17 at 2:30 p.m., and Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, October 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Linfield.