McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield snapped a two-match winless streak and moved into a tie for second place in the Northwest Conference standings by virtue of a 1-0 win over Whitman Saturday afternoon at the Linfield Soccer Field.

Anna Sours scored her first goal of the season in the 10th minute to give the Wildcats an early 1-0 lead. After receiving the ball on the left side of the goal, she took aim and crossed the ball over to the far side of the net over Whitman keeper Emily Davis.

Her goal would prove to be the only score of the game, but given how tightly the Linfield defense played, it was enough to preserve the win. The ‘Cats allowed just four shots the entire 90 minutes, including one in the first half.

After giving up nine shots in the first period, the Missionaries slowed the Linfield offense down after the break, limiting the ‘Cats to just five opportunities over the second 45 minutes.

But that’s not to say the Wildcats did not have any opportunities.

Midway through the second half, Marie Johanson (Sr., Seattle, Wash.) had a one-on-one opportunity against the Missionaries’ goalkeeper but Davis made a spectacular save, blocking the ball just as Johanson kicked it toward the goal.

Later, Megan Kearns nearly scored after a free kick, but was whistled for an offside infraction.

Whitman also had a goal negated by an offside penalty. Sophomore midfielder Liz Clagett looked to have tied the game with less than two minutes to play, but she too was called offside.

Apolonia Martinez made two saves, one in each half, to earn the win. Whitman’s Davis made eight saves in the loss.

Linfield (5-2-1, 2-1-1 NWC) now sits in a tie with Whitworth in NWC standings. Whitman, which entered the match in second place, drops to fourth with a 3-3 record in league play and 4-5 overall mark.

NEXT: Linfield hosts Whitworth in a noon match Sunday. The team will host a Youth Soccer Team Day promotion, with special activities including the opportunity to play on the field during halftime and a post-game autograph session.