Linfield’s men’s soccer team was able to stop their three-game losing skid by picking up the win at home against the George Fox University Bruins.

Both teams were aggressive during the game on the muddy pitch. The Bruins (6-9-2, 3-6-2) took 20 shots while the Linfield Wildcats (8-9, 4-7) fired 22 through the course of the match.

Five of the Bruins’ shots were on goal, and 11 were on goal for the Wildcats. Linfield’s accuracy benefited them, as they were able to finish the match on top 2-1.

All of the scoring came in the first half. Linfield got their first goal from midfielder Andrew Fischer, ’19, in the 17th minute.

George Fox then answered back to tie the game thanks to a goal from Jose Becerra in the 30th minute. The final goal came just eight minutes later from the Wildcats’ Rhys

Lendio, ’17, to put Linfield up, where they would stay for the remainder of the match.

Lendio took three other shots during the game, all of which were on goal.

It was obvious that neither team had love for their opposition, with the Bruins drawing 14 fouls and the Wildcats getting called for 10 fouls.

George Fox had a yellow card pulled on them, and Linfield drew two yellows and a red card as well.

Fischer’s goal was the second career goal for the freshman, in his first career start.

“Making that shot was an amazing experience, and it just fueled me for the whole game to get more,” said Fischer. “For it to come early in the game like that…I was really just thinking about putting it on frame and seeing what happened.”

Fischer was not the only freshman involved in the match; Linfield’s red card was pulled on defender Marshall Denley, ’19, which was a loss to the ’Cats as Denley has become a crucial part of the defense, starting in 14 matches, and is third on the team in minutes played.

The other two freshman Wildcats, defender Chris Sutton, ’19, and midfielder Jake Pratt, ’19, also got to compete against the Bruins.

It was the first time all four freshmen played in a match since Linfield’s September 12th match against Northwest University.

Players had to step up as key player Brian DeGrandmont, ’17, is out with a minor concussion. He plans on returning for the next game, which is against Whitworth.

Wyatt Lay, ’17, said, “The game went well, we were organized and knew what we had to do in the harsh conditions, rain and wind.”

“We played more direct and, our three forwards were very dynamic. Their movement off the ball really made a big difference.”

“We are hoping to make a push for fourth in the league,” Lay said.

Linfield only has three matches left.

They travel to Washington to take on Whitworth University and Whitman College next weekend, and then will wrap up the season on Saturday, November 7 at home against Willamette University.