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

SALEM, ORE. -- Linfield College scored three goals in the first eight minutes and the Wildcats went on to defeat Willamette University, 6-1, in a Northwest Conference game at Sparks Field on Saturday, Oct. 27. Linfield improved to 8-7-1 overall and to 4-7-1 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 2-13-2, including 0-11-1 in the NWC.

The game's first goal was scored by Linfield's Travis Isaacs just 22 seconds after the opening kickoff. He took a shot from near the right edge of the field and sent the ball toward the upper left corner of the goal. Willamette goalkeeper Scott Klein (Couer d'Alene, ID/Lake City HS) grabbed the ball as he fell into the net. The goal was scored unassisted.

Linfield increased its lead to 2-0 at the 5:53 mark on a goal by Brice Lange. Kurtis Wong received an assist on the scoring play.

The third goal for LC was tallied by Isaacs exactly eight minutes into the game. He was assisted by a pass from Dereck Ponce. The Wildcats added a fourth goal prior to halftime, on a shot by Jacob Burger at 38:04. Burger's goal was recorded on an assist from Spencer Winter.

Greg Beasley (Fr., F, Camas, WA/Camas HS) put Willamette on the scoreboard with his fifth goal of the season at 50:36. He shot from five yards in the middle of the field and placed the ball in the middle of the net. He was assisted on the play by Sam Hodder (Jr., F/MF, Albuquerque, NM/Sandia Prep) on a cross from the right side.

Linfield tallied its final two goals just 39 seconds apart at 62:40 and 63:19. Roland Mason scored the first of the two goals on a low shot that was taken from 15 yards out near the left post and went into the goal near the left post. Nick Jauregui assisted on the play. The last goal was recorded by Kevin Donato on an assist from Burger.

The Wildcats outshot Willamette, 17-6, including 11-4 in shots on goal. Klein played the first 45 minutes for Willamette and registered three saves. Mark Bennett (So., GK, Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) played the second half for the Bearcats and earned two saves. Jon Thompson made three saves, while playing all 90 minutes for Linfield.

Willamette will complete its schedule with two Northwest Conference games next weekend. The Bearcats will play at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., on Friday, Nov. 2 and will host Pacific Lutheran University at Sparks Field on Saturday, Nov. 3. Both games are set to start at 1:30 p.m. (PDT).