Wildcats blank Bearcats 2-0

October 08, 2008

McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Two goals in the second half secured a 2-0 win for Linfield over Willamette Wednesday night in a Northwest Conference showdown. Michel Camacho (Jr., Vancouver, Wash.) and Kurtis Wong (Sr., Lake Forest Park, Wash.) tallied for the Wildcats late in the second period.

The best opportunity of the first half came in the 35th minute as Travis Isaacs (Sr., Damascus, Ore.) slid to push a ball into the path of Kevin Donato (Jr., McMinnville, Ore.). With one Bearcat to beat, Donato fired a low left-footed shot towards the far post. Starting Bearcats goalie Mark Bennett sprawled to his left, but the ball deflected off the defender and with the goalmouth waiting, rolled wide for a corner.

With a lack of offensive danger, the first half was spent primarily in the midfield, with Linfield dominating possession.

It would take some time before the ‘Cats would turn that possession into scoring potential, but once they did it was smooth cruising.

A free-kick from Linfield’s defensive third fell to Camacho in the 65th minute. Blazing past three defenders, Camacho coolly placed his shot into the far corner to give Linfield the 1-0 lead they’d been seeking.

The Wildcats finished off the game in style through Wong in the 88th minute. With Willamette pushing forward for an equalizer, Zack Hubbard set up Wong for a shot to the lower left post which left starting Bearcat goal keeper Mark Bennett stranded.

Linfield controlled the offensive pace, outshooting Willamette 24-11. Starting Linfield keeper Jon Thompson (Jr., Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.), who picked up his third save of the year, was called on to make six saves. Bennett stopped 15 shots.

AHEAD: The Wildcats welcome Pacific Lutheran Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Kurtis Wong
Fifth goal of season