Pinpoint shot lifts Loggers

November 02, 2008

McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Catherine Means’ pinpoint-perfect shot gave Puget Sound a 1-0 Northwest Conference victory over Linfield Sunday morning on the Linfield pitch. Means scored in the first half with an unstoppable shot, despite the efforts of a solid Wildcats backline.

The Loggers, ranked sixth in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America Top 25 poll, improved to 16-1 overall and kept their NWC record perfect at 14-0. Linfield saw its record dip to 5-13 and 3-11 in the NWC.

Linfield began the match on the attack. Amber Calcagno rose to meet a crossing pass from Rennika Doty in the third minute and headed the ball towards net, but UPS defender Nikki Graff was positioned on the line and able to clear the ball to safety.

Puget Sound took the lead 34 minutes into the contest. Means collected a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and calmly placed an accurate shot into the upper right corner.

The Loggers were again on the attack when Janece Levien was sent free down the left side. Kelsey Hasselblad closed down and saved Levien’s shot after spilling the initial save.

Wildcats midfielder Kate Franklin went for the equalizer five minutes into the second half after picking up a loose ball on the left side of the box, but her curling shot couldn’t find the far corner.

The Loggers nearly doubled their lead in the 68th minute on Abby Goss’s attempt, but her bending shot from 20 yards away clanged off the crossbar and Maya Heck popped the rebound over the goal.

The crossbar was against Puget Sound after another shot was rejected by the goal frame. This time, Means the unlucky party.

Hasselblad came to Linfield’s rescue with 15 minutes left after Melissa Abellanida had a free header at the far post, but Hasselblad dove to push the ball wide.

UPS outshot Linfield 18-5 and Hasselblad was credited with five saves. Kallie Wolfer was called on to make one stop for the Loggers.

NEXT: Linfield plays a mid-week conference match against Willamette Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Amber Calcagno
First-half header is saved