By Robert McKinney, Asssitant Athletics Director, Communcations
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University and Linfield College played outstanding defense on Saturday, Oct. 15, as the Bearcats and the Wildcats played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes at Sparks Field. Willamette ended the game at 5-6-2 on the season, 2-5-2 in the Northwest Conference. Linfield moved to 3-7-3 overall, including 3-3-3 in the NWC.
Linfield goalkeeper Sarah Bailey earned six saves and Kristen Barclay of Willamette made four saves, but the goalies didn't have to work hard at stopping shots. The big stars of the game were the defenders and midfielders who battled on defense for both teams. The Bearcats and the Wildcats brought the ball into the final third on numerous occasions, but neither team could create many quality scoring chances.
When the second overtime ended to complete 110 minutes of play, Willamette held a 15-10 advantage in total shots and a 6-4 margin in shots on goal. The Bearcats outshot the Wildcats 12-9 in regulation and 3-1 during the overtimes. Linfield claimed a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
The top scoring chance of the first half was on a 23-yard shot by Emma Sanders (Sr., M, Kennewick, WA/Southridge HS) of Willamette at 35:46 following a corner kick. The ball was served into the box, but was deflected. It went to Sanders, who shot low toward the left post. Bailey made a diving save only a foot or two from the goal line.
Linfield's best shot of the game was earned after a foul late in the second overtime. Mary Cait Moriarty took the free kick from the left side of the field and about 26 yards out at a tough angle. She sent the ball over the wall and near the left post, where Barclay recorded the final save of the game.
Willamette received a corner kick in the final minute of the game. Annie Strom (Fr., M, Mount Vernon, WA/Mount Vernon HS) took the corner at 109:25. Liz Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) headed the ball from about 8 yards out near the left post, but it went wide right and was not a threat.
Stewart (So., D/F, Sisters, OR/Sisters HS/Texas Christian University) led all players with four shots. She had two shots on goal. Sanders created three shots for the Bearcats, with two of her shots on goal.
Moriarty finished with three shots for Linfield, including two shots on target. Taylor Cole also took three shots for Linfield.
The Bearcats will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 16 at Pacific University. Game time in Forest Grove, Oregon, is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).