EUGENE, Ore. – A fierce non-conference battle came down to the final 12 minutes on Tuesday with Bushnell prevailing 2-0 against Linfield University at Civic Park.
The Beacons broke a scoreless tie in the 79th minute and then added an insurance strike with just eight seconds remaining to secure the victory. The late flurry came after an evenly contested battle that saw the Wildcats hold an 8-7 advantage in shots. Bushnell's only two shots-on-goal in the second half were the pair that found the back of the net.
The game-winner came from sophomore Ohu Miles (pictured), just hours after clearing eligibility protocols to become available for the contest. She took a perfect cross from Adrie Lader, and one-timed the ball out of the air and into the corner of the net for her first goal of the season.
The Beacons weren't done there, as they come up with what becomes the latest goal ever scored by Bushnell. From midfield, Ryah Larsen sent a break away pass to Anela Leslie who beat the last defender to the ball, drove to the middle and chipped the drawn out keeper from 20 yards for the goal.
Tuesday also became the first collegiate coaching victory for Bushnell's first-year head coach Toni Malone. She said, "I am so proud of our team tonight. They executed our game plan, competed for the full 90 minutes, and showed the fight and heart we have been talking about. We have put a big emphasis on finishing our opportunities so for Ohu to score in her first game and Anela to score for the second game in a row is huge."
Linfield were not without their chances in the contest as the Beacon defense withstood an onslaught of eight Wildcat corner kicks. Gabriella Montes was up to the task, collecting two saves as she records her first shutout of the season.
"Linfield is an established program," said Malone, "so to earn our first win of the season against them is incredibly rewarding. Tonight was a glimpse of what this team is capable of and I am really proud of our players and staff."
UP NEXT: Bushnell remains at home this weekend and will take on NAIA foe Pacific Union College (0-3) on Sunday morning at 10:00 am.