ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's soccer team (2-1-2, 0-1-1 GNAC) hits the road this week for a pair of GNAC matchups against #14 Western Oregon (5-1-1, 2-0-0 GNAC) and Saint Martin's (1-5-0, 0-2-0 GNAC). The Wildcats face the Wolves on Thursday, October 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the WOU Soccer Field in Monmouth, Oregon, before heading to Lacey, Washington to take on the Saints on Saturday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Saints Field.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Wildcats hosted #22 Simon Fraser on Thursday, September 25, falling 1-0 in a tightly contested match. The Red Leafs broke through in the 26th minute when Kiera Scott fired a shot from the corner of the box off an assist from Sofia Faremo. Despite being outshot 15-11, Central created several quality scoring chances of their own. Goalkeeper Leighton Menge recorded six saves in a strong performance between the posts.

Central Washington then faced crosstown rival Western Washington in a defensive battle that ended in a scoreless draw. The Vikings outshot the Wildcats 18-6, but CWU's backline stood tall to secure the shutout. Goalkeeper Danika Galbraith was instrumental, making nine saves and earning GNAC Defensive Player of the Week honors for her efforts.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS
"The hays in the barn and with a "go 1-0 mentality" we'll compete for a full 90…Go Cats!"
 
SCOUTING THE WOLVES
Western Oregon is coming off an impressive week, picking up a 2-0 road win over Montana State Billings on Thursday, Sep. 25 followed by a 2-1 home victory against #18 Seattle Pacific on Saturday, Sep. 27.

Against MSUB, the Wolves opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a well-executed team goal. In the 77th minute, Cici Garcia extended the lead with a strike past the keeper, assisted by Ally Beavers and Kyra DiBenedetto. WOU outshot the Yellowjackets 20-11 and generated numerous scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Bella Lopez recorded four saves to secure the clean sheet.

In their match against #18 SPU, the Wolves conceded early, with Kayla Wallace scoring in the 13th minute for the Falcons. WOU responded in the second half, equalizing in the 59th minute when Olivia Boger rifled a shot past the keeper off a Leah Heugly assist. The game-winner came in the 76th minute, as Kyra DiBenedetto found the back of the net. WOU outshot SPU 17-7 and made the most of their chances. Bella Lopez added three key saves, playing a vital role in preserving the lead down the stretch.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
The Wildcats hold a 10-20-11 all-time record against the Wolves, with their most recent matchup ending in a 1-0 loss on November 7, 2024, in Monmouth, Oregon. CWU is 4-11-6 on the road against WOU and will look to pull off the upset on Thursday afternoon.
 
SCOUTING THE SAINTS
Saint Martin's traveled last week, facing Seattle Pacific on Thursday, September 25, in a match that ended in a 4-1 loss, followed by a 1-0 defeat against Montana State Billings on Saturday, September 27.

Against Seattle Pacific, the Saints fell behind early as the Falcons scored in the 4th minute. Ashlyn Valdovinos doubled the lead in the 13th minute, followed by Taylore Krueger's third goal in the 27th minute. Just before halftime, Isabella Fallarme extended the lead to 4-0 in the 42nd minute. Briana-Jean Tanaka scored for Saint Martin's in the 85th minute off an assist from Angely Puga. Seattle Pacific outshot the Saints 19-3, while goalkeeper Mallory Patzer made five saves in the match.

In the game against Montana State Billings, Liberty Palmer secured the game-winning goal in the 87th minute on an assist from Cesia Swain. Despite outshooting the Yellowjackets 15-9, Saint Martin's was unable to convert their chances. Goalkeepers Sam Escobar and Mallory Patzer each played a half, combining for two saves.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
The Wildcats hold a 22-9-2 all-time record against the Saints, though their most recent meeting ended in a 2-1 loss on November 9, 2024, in Lacey, Washington. Central has historically found success on the road against SMU, boasting an 11-4-1 record away from home. They'll look to build on that strong track record in this weekend's matchup.
 
UP NEXT
The Crimson and Black return home next week to face Montana State Billings on Thursday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. at CWU Soccer Field. The homestand continues as they host #18 Seattle Pacific on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium.