ELLENSBURG, Wash. – After splitting last week's games with one win and one loss, Wildcat Soccer (2-6-3) hosts both #24 Simon Fraser University (3-2-5) and Northwest Nazarene University (2-5-3) this week. The team has scored in each of their last four games, going 2-2 over that period as they continue to search for wins over conference opponents. In conference play, the 'Cats sit at 2-3-1, which is good for sixth in the conference. CWU soccer will look to cap off their Homecoming weekend with two more wins on the season and a chance to bolster them even higher in the conference standings.
 
QUOTING HEAD SOCCER COACH JOHN HAWKS:

"It is good to be home, and our group continues to find new levels on the field we have known we are capable of. Now we embrace this growth and welcome the challenge that is the final game of the first half of conference play against nationally ranked Simon Fraser on Thursday, and our first game of the second half of conference play on Saturday against another quality opponent in Northwest Nazarene University ... Go 'Cats!"

LAST WEEK:
 
The 'Cats opened last week's play on Thursday on the road against the Montana State Billings Yellow Jackets (2-4-4). After a hard-fought defensive match, the 'Cats clawed their way out of Billings with a win after a successful penalty kick by Kylee Schreck. The team was also a Stallworth defensively, only allowing one shot attempt all match. The team couldn't keep that level of defensive play up against Seattle Pacific University (6-3-1), as the Flacons were able to score three times over the 90 minutes of play. SPU's Natalie Carroll was a problem for the Wildcats as she scored two goals in the second half to put the game away. With 15 shot attempts to the Wildcats 7, CWU looks to draw even or ahead in that category this week against their opponents.
 
LOOKING AT SFU:
 
The #24-ranked Red Leafs tote a record of 5-1-0 following a 3-1 win over Western Oregon University. Their leading scorer this season is Dariella Lopez, who has found the net nine times this year, followed by Kiera Scott with seven. Freshman Sofia Piperni has had an impressive season with 37 saves compared to 9 goals allowed. The 'Cats will need to continue their offensive firepower into this week against one of the toughest opponents they have played all year. The defense has been a strength as well, as they will look to blanket the Falcons.
 
LOOKING AT NNU:
 
The Nighthawks sit in fourth place in the conference with a record of 2-5-3, with three of their losses coming from non-conference action. For NNU, there is no go-to attacker for the squad, as they have three girls leading the team with two goals. With the Wildcats allowing minimal shot attempts over the last four weeks, we will see if the Nighthawks can get past a strong and confident Wildcat defense.
 
UP NEXT:
 
The following week GNAC play continues in the 'Burg as the Wildcats host Seattle Pacific University (6-3-1) and Montana State University Billings (2-4-4). Both teams have played recently and should have familiarity with one another to bring a couple of great matches to Tomlinson Stadium.