ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's soccer team (2-1-1,0-1-0 GNAC) suffered a 1-0 defeat against #22 Simon Fraser (4-0-1,1-0-0 GNAC) on Thursday afternoon at the CWU Soccer Field. The Red Leafs found the game-winner in the 26th minute when Kiera Scott buried a right-footed strike from the corner of the box, curling it past the Wildcats' keeper.
 
FIRST HALF
The opening 20 minutes saw an evenly matched contest, with each side registering an early shot. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Scott capitalized on a pass from Sofia Faremo, rifling a shot past the CWU goalkeeper to give Simon Fraser the lead. The Red Leafs outshot the Wildcats 7-5, though both teams created quality scoring chances throughout the match. Leighton Menge recorded three key saves to keep CWU within striking distance, while Sarah Loewen tallied two saves.
 
SECOND HALF
Simon Fraser came out of the halftime break pressing for a second goal, with Alyssa Clark and Faremo each forcing CWU goalkeeper Menge into early saves. The Wildcats responded with a chance of their own in the 56th minute, as Jaylee Reynolds fired a shot on target that was stopped by SFU keeper Loewen. The Red Leafs narrowly outshot the Wildcats 8-6 in the second half, with both sides pushing for more goals. Menge finished the match with six saves to keep CWU within reach, while Loewen made four saves to secure the clean sheet. Reynolds led the Wildcats with three shots, including two on frame, while Scott paced Simon Fraser with three shots and two on goal.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS
"Proud of our groups effort and commitment to keep showing up…the margins going from good to great are small and great teams find ways to win. 

Although a great team edged us out today in Simon Fraser, we'll be better for it! 

We're excited to face another great opponent in Western Washington on Saturday; our group is capable of much and we look forward to our next GNAC match come Saturday!"
 
UP NEXT
The Crimson & Black continue their homestand this weekend with a rivalry showdown against Western Washington on Saturday, September 27. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. at the CWU Soccer Field. Don't miss the action—come out and cheer on your Wildcats!