Cleland Scores Twice, including Tying Goal at 89:08, in 2-2 Draw at Linfield

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications, (503) 370-6110

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Senior forward Sophie Cleland (Eugene, OR/North Eugene HS) scored twice, including the game-tying goal with 52 seconds left, as Willamette University tied Linfield University in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Cleland's tying goal was in the net just minutes after Linfield took a 2-1 lead on a goal by Riley Omonaka with 4:21 to go.

Willamette moved to 1-9-3 overall, 1-6-2 in the NWC. The Bearcats are 1-1-1 in their last three games. Linfield ended the game at 5-3-5 on the season, 3-2-4 in the NWC.

After more than 30 minutes of scoreless action, Cleland tallied the game's first goal at 33:57 on a penalty kick. Linfield attempted to tie the score right away, but a shot by Anna Dazey for the Wildcats was saved by WU goalkeeper Siera Edwards 20 seconds after Cleland scored.

The Wildcats eventually tied the score at 1-1 on a goal by Amalia Tufts early in the second half at 47:33. Kamahie Samudio registered an assist on the play.

Neither team scored for the next 38 minutes, and then both teams hit the nets in the final five minutes of play. Omonaka put Linfield in front 2-1 at the 85:39 mark, as Samudio earned her second assist of the evening. Cleland provided Willamette with the tying goal just 3:31 later at 89:08.

Cleland led all players with three total shots and three shots on goal. Linfield held a 9-5 margin in total shots, but both teams placed five shots on target. Edwards of Willamette and Linfield goalie Emily Miller each made three saves during the game. The Wildcats finished with a 6-0 lead in corner kicks and committed 17 fouls, while Willamette was called for 10 fouls.

The Bearcats will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 15 when they will host Lewis & Clark College at Sparks Field on the Willamette campus. Game time is set for 12 p.m. PDT.