McMINNVILLE, Ore. - The first career goal by rookie Zoe Langsdorf (Soph., Vancouver, Wash.) was a big one as the Linfield Wildcats started Northwest Conference play off in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, defeating Lewis and Clark 2-1 at the Linfield soccer field. Linfield (4-1) overcame a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in the second half to come from behind and knock off Lewis & Clark (1-3-1).

Shooting was not an issue for the Cats, who fired off 14 shots to the Pioneers' two in the second half alone. Linfield out-shot Lewis & Clark 19-6 in the game, and the Pioneers managed only one corner kick while the 'Cats took advantage on one of their five total.

Lewis & Clark's Andi Glaeser found herself in a one-on-one breakaway with a Linfield defender when she scored the Pioneers' only goal in the 20^th minute. During the play, Glaeser fired a shot at Linfield goalkeeper Apolonia Martinez from point-blank distance. Martinez stopped the first shot, but the rebound went right back to Glaeser, who put the Pioneers up 1-0.

The Linfield defense put its foot down after that play, holding the Pioneers scoreless for the remainder of the game.

For Emily Fellows (Jr., Portland, Ore.) and the Wildcat offense, it was only a matter of time.

Fellows tied the game for the 'Cats in the 70^th minute, striking a free kick into the back of the net from just outside the penalty box. The goal was a much-needed momentum swing.

Langsdorf's clutch goal broke the 1-1 deadlock with only five minutes remaining in the game. Christine Tamamoto (Jr., Honolulu, Hawaii) placed a perfect corner kick for Langsdorf, who headed in the go-ahead shot past the outstretched arms of the Pioneers' goalkeeper.

The Wildcat defense held strong for the remainder of the game, preserving Linfield's 2-1 lead and securing its first conference win.

NEXT FOR THE 'CATS: Linfield travels north to Puget Sound (2-1) to continue Northwest Conference play Sunday at noon.