ELLENSBURG, Wash.- Central Washington women's soccer team (1-6-4, 0-5-3 GNAC) will begin their two game road trip on Thursday, October 24th as they travel to Burnaby, British Columbia to face Simon Fraser University (8-3-1, 4-3-1 GNAC) in a conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Terry Fox Field. The 'Cats will then travel to Bellingham, Wash on Saturday, October 26th to face Western Washington (7-2-4, 6-0-2 GNAC) in a conference showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Harrington Field.
LAST TIME OUT
CWU is coming off of a tie and a loss in the previous week. They faced Western Oregon on Thursday which resulted in a 0-0 tie. Goalkeeper Danika Galbraith made 16 saves, which was crucial to the 'Cats defensive approach. Brenna Hart, Sami Huber, and Paige Savage each had a shot on goal but could not find the breakthrough. On Saturday, Central Washington faced Northwest Nazarene which resulted in a 1-0 loss. The goal came in the 82nd minute as Kate Bleffert gave the Nighthawks a late lead. The 'Cats fought back and created goal scoring opportunities but could not find the back of the net. Cam Sheets, Lainee Derry, Jordan Bartlow and Maggie McBroom each had a shot on goal but could not convert in the final third. In the 87th minute, McBroom came close to tying the game as she rifled a shot to the bottom left corner, but goalkeeper Bailey Blancett was there to make the crucial save.
SCOUTING THE RED LEAFS
Simon Fraser University is 8-3-1 overall, 4th in the GNAC with a 4-3-1 record, and is 5-1-0 at home. Last week out, they faced Seattle Pacific University on the road, which resulted in a 3-2 defeat. Raegan MacKenzie and Emily Smith each scored a goal, but ultimately could not hold onto the lead. They then traveled to Bellingham, Wash to face Western Washington in a match that resulted in a 1-0 loss. The Red Leafs will be returning home to face CWU and will be looking to get back in the win column. Isabella Muzzolini will be a player to watch as she leads SFU with six goal contributions, four goals scored and two assists. Sarah Caravatta will be another name to watch as she had five goal contributions on the season, with two goals scored and three assists. Goalkeeper Sarah Loewen has been crucial for SFU this season with 40 saves made in 11 starts.
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS
Western Washington University is 7-2-4 overall, 1st in the GNAC with a 6-0-2 record, and is 4-1-3 at home. Last week out, the Vikings hosted Montana State Billings on Thursday which resulted in a 2-1 win. Ashley Nguyen rifled a shot in the bottom left corner in the 22nd minute to give WWU the lead. Moments later, MSU found their breakthrough, tying the game in the 28th minute. Morgan Manalili found the back of the net in the 42nd minute, giving the Vikings the lead. They then played Simon Fraser which resulted in a 1-0 victory. Abigail Trengove made two saves and had a clean sheet for WWU. Emily Holdridge scored in the 79th minute, giving the Vikings a late lead. Moments later, in the 81st minute, Sarah Loewen of SFU received a red card for a poor foul in the defensive half. Kyrsten McGuffey is a name to watch as she leads the team with eight goal contributions, three goals scored and five assists. Teammate Lydia Myers is another player to keep your eyes on as she leads the team with six goals scored. Goalkeeper Abigail Trengove has made 36 saves in 12 games started and has been crucial to the defensive back line this season.
UP NEXT
Your Wildcats return home to face Seattle Pacific on Thursday, October 31st at 7:00 p.m. at Tomlinson Stadium. The homestand continues as they face Montana State Billings on Saturday, November 2nd for senior day. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Tomlinson Stadium. Make sure to come out and show your support for the 'Crimson and Black.
