Grant Lucas – Sports editor. The Linfield men’s soccer team tallied its first win of the season with a 3-2 victory over the University of Redlands on Sept. 13 in Santa Cruz, Calif. Unfortunately, the win followed a Sept. 12 loss to No. 7 University of California, Santa Cruz.
With both games in the books, the Wildcats’ record stands at 1-3-1 as they prepare for Northwest Conference play.
“It was a confidence booster,” senior Travis Isaacs said of the Redlands game. “It put a swagger in our step, and it allows us to realize that we can play that way every time. It just takes effort and hard work.”
In Sept. 12’s match, junior Matt Fondy, who recorded two goals in the contest, led the Banana Slugs to victory.
UCSC didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard. In the 11th minute, Fondy found the back of the net off of a corner kick by sophomore Cody Pillon.
Wildcat junior Carter Elhabassi tied the game with a goal in the 36th minute, but fewer than two minutes later, Pillon scored. Fondy then tacked on a late goal in the 87th minute to seal the victory.
Linfield was outshot 14-7 in the match. Of Linfield’s seven shots, four were on goal, and junior Michel Camacho accounted for two of them.
Isaacs then took it upon himself to ensure the ’Cats returned home with a victory under their belt. The senior captain netted two goals against Redlands on Sept. 13.
So far, the Wildcats have struggled in first halves, but they were the first to strike with a 30th-minute goal by Isaacs.
Despite seven corner kick attempts, the Bulldogs were shut out by Linfield’s defense in the first half.
After Redlands sophomore Cody Carlson evened the score early in the second half, Isaacs and senior Nick Jauregui each responded with goals.
“We came out knowing we could win,” Isaacs said. “Everyone was really focused, we knew we could play with anyone and we were tired of pulling up short. We cleaned up our play and focused on the little things, and it all came together.”
The Wildcats return to McMinnville to play against the University of Puget Sound in their Northwest Conference opener Sept. 19. The Loggers hold a 3-3 record in the young season.
“We are going to work on mental focus and effort,” Isaacs said. “It starts at practice, and we need to focus on the little things: trapping, passing, etc. We are ready for this weekend, and it’s apparent at practice. The guys are working hard, and I’m excited for the game.”