MCMINNVILLE, Ore. –
Ben Bechor scored a pair of second half goals, as the College of Idaho picked up their first win of the season, a 3-1 victory at Linfield College.
Despite the host Wildcats (0-1) holding a sizeable edge in total shots and corner kicks, it was the Coyotes with the dangerous chances – including a
Bekir Cinac drive early in the contest that clanged off the right post.
Deadlocked in a scoreless game into the 55th minute, Bechor got the visitors on the board, making a nifty move in the area and sliding a shot by keeper Nick Van Kleek for the tiebreaking score.
Jack O'Leary doubled the score in the 73rd minute, eluding Van Kleek for a tap in goal, but the Cats answered in the 80th minute, as Romario Mendoza converted a penalty kick after a C of I foul in the box.
A red card just after the restart put Linfield down a man and the Yotes capitalized – as Bechor found space just inside the 18 and rocked a shot into the right corner of the net.
Parker Billings did the rest, making eight saves to earn the victory – as the Wildcats held a 21-13 edge in total shots and took eight of the nine corner kick opportunities. The match was physical, featuring 32 fouls and nine cards.
C of I returns to action on Sunday, traveling to George Fox for a noon kickoff.
