Linfield Cruises Past Willamette

With the loss, the Bearcats slump to 2-6-1 overall and 0-5 in NWC play.

Photo courtesy Linfield Athletics

McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Three first-half goals gave Linfield an early lead it would never relinquish, in a 4-0 Northwest Conference win Saturday over Willamette at the Linfield soccer field.

With the Wildcats' first victory in NWC play, they move to 5-3-1 overall, and 1-3-1 in the conference.

The Bearcats slump to 2-6-1 overall and 0-5 in NWC play.

Nick Jauregui got Linfield going early in the 18th minute, when he scored on an assist from Michael Camacho.

Camacho’s pass slipped through the wickets of Willamette goalkeeper Scott Klein. Waiting behind him, with an open net in front was Jauregui, who converted the opportunity.

Linfield would strike twice more before the half ended.

The ‘Cats took a 2-0 lead in the 30th minute on a Kurtis Wong goal, set up by Bryan Alford.

Then, with just over a minute left, Travis Isaacs and Jauregui found Jacob Burger for an open shot which found the back of the net, giving Linfield a 3-0 cushion.

The 3-0 lead would survive the second half, in large part because of the efforts of Linfield goalkeeper Mike Belzberg.

Belzberg finished with two saves on the night.

Klein ended up with two saves for Willamette.

Linfield added its final goal of the night on the first career goal from Carter Elhabbassi. Elhabbassi’s goal came off a Brice Lang cross.

The Wildcats outshot the Bearcats 18-7 for the match.

NEXT

Linfield will be back in action Saturday at 2:30 p.m., when the ‘Cats square off at home against George Fox.

Willamette’s next match will be a non-conference affair Tuesday on the road against Corban.

Source: Linfield Athletics

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