MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Caio Pereira scored the tying and go-ahead goals in the second half, as The College of Idaho dominated play throughout in a 4-2 victory over Linfield University.
The win for the Yotes (2-0) gave the squad their first back-to-back victories to start a season since the 2015 campaign – taking 36 shots on the day, including 22 on frame.
Despite the offensive onslaught, C of I played catch-up for much of the contest – as the Division III Wildcats scored in the eighth minute on a counter-attack by Cesar Cruz-Espindola.
The Coyotes answered immediately, as Kristian Quiros played a quick free kick off a foul just outside the box – catching the Cats off-guard and driving the left-footed boot into the right corner of the net.
C of I controlled the pitch for the next 50 minutes – taking 22 shots to Linfield's one – but the lone Wildcat shot resulted in an unassisted goal from LU's Seamus Miller in the 20th minute.
Trailing 2-1, Pereira provided the difference midway through the second half. Lucas Thorne played a cross into the area, with the transfer driving home the equalizer with 25 minutes to play. A minute later, Emil Powles played a thru-ball down the left side to Pereira, with his drive giving the visitors their first lead.
The Yotes added to the advantage in the 82nd minute, as Pereria found Ben Garrick on the left side of the box, driving home his first career goal.
C of I's defense did their job – limiting the Wildcats to just one shot over the final 70 minutes of the match.
LU's keepers Peyton Frazier and Julian Inches kept the contest from getting out of hand, as Frazier made eight saves and Inches added 10 more.
C of I will have next two weekends off in preparation for their Cascade Conference openers, at Multnomah and Warner Pacific, on Sept. 17-18.