ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University (2-2-0) soccer team fell 1-0 to Western Washington University (3-0-2) in a windy battle.
 
"I think this game was more of a reflection of what we had to do in relation to what we failed at against Seattle Pacific," CWU Head Coach Michael Farrand said. "A little unlucky on the first goal, but that's soccer. Western is a great team and a quality opponent. In the second half I thought we had a couple good chances, in that respect I thought we played well."
 
The Vikings battled through the wind to take their first shot in 12^th minute. Jayden Nguyen's chance on goal went wide left.
 
It wasn't until the 21^st minute when the shot chart received another tally. Makinzie Packwood made her way towards goal and fired a shot that was met by Natalie Dierickx.
 
Emily Thomson was thrust into action in the 23^rd minute, keeping a shot from Dayana Diaz out. She was called on again in the 26^th minute, parrying a shot from Makenzie Burks at close range.
 
Western struck for the contest's lone goal in the 30^th minute. Payton Neal found Diaz, who twisted a shot past the keeper for a 1-0 advantage.
 
Thomson was called on again in the 40^th minute, keeping the game at 1-0 on save off the boot of Zola Carbone.
 
At the half, the Vikings held an 8-1 lead in shots and took four corners to Central's zero.
 
Darby Doyle found the second stanza's first offensive opportunity in the 59^th minute, but her shot went wide left. Jayme Woodfill followed suit for the Crimson and Black in the 62^nd minute, forcing Claire Henninger to make her only save of the contest.
 
A pair of shots in quick succession from the Vikings in the 64^th and 66^th minutes nearly gave Western an insurance marker. Another shot from Burks in the 67^th minute was turned away by Megan Fox. The Vikings had two more chances on goal in search of breathing room. Fox, however, had other ideas as she kept both shots out of the back of the net.
 
The Vikings were awarded a penalty kick in the 84^th minute, but Grace Eversaul rang the crossbar to keep the game at 1-0.
 
Central was outshot 18-2 and did not force any corner kicks.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday (May 15) as they host Seattle Pacific University for Senior Day. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Tomlinson Stadium.