The Linfield Wildcats women’s soccer team went up against the George Fox University Bruins on Sept. 24 in a game that resulted in a tie with each team only scoring one point.

Linfield played aggressively, shooting several shots at the goal, most of which were saved by George Fox goalie Alyssa Montero. George Fox only got one shot at the goal during the first half, which was saved by Wildcat freshman Taylor Collinsworth. The first half ended with
neither team scoring a single goal. During the first half, Wildcats had 13 shots on goal, in comparison to George Fox’s one shot on goal.

Most of the second half played out similar to the first half. The Wildcats attempted to score a goal many times, but no goal was scored until the bottom of the game. The defense continuously worked at keeping the Bruins at bay, where they helped stop six shots on goal.

“They work hard,” said Dominic Doty, head coach for the Linfield women’s soccer team. “Their effort level is where we want it.”

With 83:25 to go, freshman Zoe Langsdorf scored the first goal of game with assists by senior Jenna Quiring and junior Anna Sours.

A minute after this goal was scored, Collingsworth got a yellow card after a collision with George Fox’s Shannon Olson. Olson had to leave the game because of an arm injury. In Olson’s place, Melanie Gaither shot the penalty kick for George Fox, scoring
the Bruins’ first goal and tying the game.

“We just couldn’t finish our chances,” said sophomore Sara Miller, a midfielder for the Wildcats.

On Sunday, the Wildcats played against the Willamette Bearcats on their home turf, losing one to three. Just like the game on Saturday, no points were scored until the second half of the game, although there were several attempts by both teams.

The second half of the game began aggressively, with the Wildcats committing one foul and the Bearcats committing three. Bearcat Stephanie Skelly scored the first goal 67 minutes into the game,
giving Willamette a one point advantage. Only a couple of minutes later, Sarah Desautels scored
another point for the Bearcats.

“We weren’t playing as a team. Normally we’re so connected,” Miller said.

However, the Wildcats didn’t give up.
Senior MacKenzie Doty scored a goal for Linfield only a few minutes after the Bearcats scored their second goal. MacKenzie Doty was given an almost
clear shot on goal, where it went in with a hard kick.  Even with the 19 shots
on goal, the Wildcats could not out score the Bearcats.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Skelly scored another goal for the Bearcats with an assist from Desautels with only six
minutes left in the game.

The Wildcats fought to the  end, shooting four more attempts at the goal before the time finally ran out. These shots included Sophomore Emily Allison taking a shot in the final
50 seconds, and the ball went wide of the goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Apolonia made three saves, and the Bearcats had nine shots on goal during her 90 minutes in goal.

“We created a lot of opportunities, but we couldn’t put the ball in the net,” Doty said. “This was a big learning weekend.”

With the Wildcats the lose against Willamette and their tie against George Fox,  the women’s team record stands at five wins and two losses and one tie.

On October 1, Linfield plays against Whitman at home. Kick off is at noon. Their goal for this game is simple.
When asked, both
Miller and Doty had
the same response, “to win.”

Meghan O’Rourke can be reached at [email protected].

Sophomore Emily Allison kicks the ball up field, away from the Wildcat goal on Sept. 25 at home.

__________________________________________________________________
Meghan O’Rourke/Opinion editor
Meghan O’Rourke can be reached at [email protected].