Bearcats and Wildcats Battle to a Draw

McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Willamette University and Linfield University played to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday at Linfield Soccer Field. The Bearcats scored twice with six shots on goal, while Linfield matched with two goals on four shots on target. The match remained tense throughout as neither team could pull ahead, with both sides netting a goal in each half.

The first half began with both teams testing each other's defenses, but the Bearcats soon found momentum. Siera Edwards made a crucial save in the 6th minute to deny Linfield an early lead. Willamette capitalized on this, as Samantha Rodriguez netted the first goal in the 19th minute, assisted by Maddee Reid, giving the Bearcats a 1-0 advantage.

Despite Willamette's efforts to maintain control, Linfield responded in the 44th minute when Fia Swanson scored, assisted by Lena CaballeroUhtoff, leveling the score. The half concluded with the teams tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

The second half started with the Bearcats capitalizing on an early opportunity as Amanda McArthur converted a penalty kick just 35 seconds into the half, leveling the score again. Willamette continued to press forward, with Natalie Rodriguez-De La Torre's shot at 52:08 saved by Linfield's goalkeeper, Alexa Fritz.

Despite the Bearcats' efforts to maintain the lead, Linfield equalized in the 75th minute with a goal from Jenna Stanley, assisted by Mia Curtaz. Edwards made a crucial save against Reese Jones' shot at 82:59, preserving the tie. The match concluded with the score tied at 2-2, as both teams remained deadlocked through the final minutes.

Samantha Rodriguez scored her first goal of the season, converting her only shot into the net. McArthur also found the back of the net, scoring one goal from two shots, including a successful penalty kick. Reid contributed with an assist and registered one shot on goal. Edwards, in goal, recorded two saves while facing nine shots.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats prepare to host Lewis and Clark University on October 11 in a noon matchup at Salem, OR.