Box Score

BURNABY, British Columbia (Sept. 20) -- Team scoring leaders Kelsy Villegas (Graham/Graham-Kapowsin HS) and Carson McKole (Oak Harbor) each found the net once, and sophomore Savanna Moorehouse (Bonney Lake) finished with two assists as the Central Washington University women's soccer team earned a 3-1 victory over host Simon Fraser University on Thursday evening at Terry Fox Field.

The Wildcats evened their overall record at 3-3-1 on the year, including 2-1-0 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference matches. Simon Fraser fell to 1-5-0 and 0-3-0.

The contest, rescheduled for Burnaby in wake of the wildfires and unhealthy air conditions in Ellensburg, saw CWU finish with a 19-7 advantage in shots over the Clan. Ten of those tries were on the goal, with Villegas scoring in the first half and junior Nicole Laughlin (Gig Harbor) getting the eventual game-winner in the second period. McKole's tally at the 72nd minute proved to be an insurance score for the Wildcats.

"We really struggled to play in the first half," CWU head coach Michael Farrand said. "We were able to get that first goal, though, as Kelsy did a great job finishing once again."

Villegas, a senior, scored her fifth goal of the season -- in seven games -- following an assist from McKole at the 33rd minute. CWU took that one-goal lead into halftime.

An "own goal" by Simon Fraser nine minutes into the second half tied the score at 1-1, but, as Farrand explained, that seemed to help energize the Wildcats.

"The own goal on the pass-back actually woke us up," the thirteenth-year mentor explained. "After that goal, we stepped up and got to the goal numerous times and were able to get some good results."

Laughlin scored at the 65th minute to break the tie, beating Simon Fraser goalkeeper Amanda Gilliland from 20 yards away after a pass from Moorehouse. The tally was the third of the defender's career, including the second game-winning goal in her three seasons with the Wildcats.

McKole then sealed the game with her third goal of the year with just over 18 minutes remaining, finishing off a Moorehouse pass that had been served between multiple SFU defenders.

The Wildcats' offensive attack was even more impressive in the second half, when they totaled 11 shot attempts and six corner kick opportunities.

Sophomore Kayla Lipston (Federal Way/Decatur HS) made four saves to earn the victory in goal for CWU.

The Wildcats will continue what has been an extended road trip, visiting Seattle Pacific University on Saturday night (Sept. 22) for a 7:30 p.m. start at Interbay Stadium. Two more away contests will await CWU before closing out the month of September.