Photo courtesy of Linfield Sports Info

McMINNVILLE, Ore. --- The Bruins opened their Northwest Conference slate with a road win over the Wildcats of Linfield on Sunday, Feb. 28, in a 1-0 shutout victory.

How It Happened

The two teams traded attacks and counters in the opening 20 minutes but the Bruins found unguarded twine first. After a handful of missed shots, the Bruins won possession after a goal kick in the 22nd minute and Luke Hamocon beat the Wildcats' back line for the 1-0 lead. Hamocon was able to dribble his way through the defenders and slotted the shot in the top left.

From then on the Wildcats picked up the tempo and played with more urgency but the Bruins were able to withstand the attacks. As the second half continued on the Wildcats kept the ball in the Bruins' end for long stretches and squeezed off four more shots than the Bruins. Each time, however, the Bruins' defenders were up to the challenge. A last-minute rally for the Wildcats fell short and the Bruins came away with the opening 1-0 win after defending successfully for the full 90 minutes.

Top Performers

Hamocon and Cole Benton get the nods here. Hamocon notched his first official collegiate goal after a stellar preseason and Benton notched a shutout after withstanding an absolute onslaught from the Wildcats, tallying six saves in the process.

What It Means

The Bruins are 1-0 to start the year after playing three exhibition matchups in the preseason, while the Wildcats now fall to 0-1.

What Happens Next

The Bruins host Willamette in Newberg on Sunday, Mar. 7, at 3:00 pm.