Burnaby, B.C. – Conference play has begun and the Wildcats (0-4-2) traveled across the border to take on the Simon Fraser University Red Leafs (3-1-1). The Wildcats held their own in the first half heading into halftime with the match knotted at zeros until the Red Leafs erupted for four goals in the second half. The results put the 'Cats at 0-1 in conference play to start the season as they still are in the hunt for their first overall win of the year.
Quoting Head Coach John Hawks:
"Out total product in the run of play is getting better with each game. It's a matter of trusting the work being done and staying the course with the process of who we're becoming ... Really proud of the hard work being done by the players and staff as a collective and know we are on the right track.
Data is objective and possession was 49% for CWU and 51% for (Simon Fraser). Corner kicks were six for CWU and two for (Simon Fraser). Shot count was 10 for CWU and 20 for (Simon Fraser). The final piece for our group to dial in will be taking more chances and shots when we find ourselves in the final third. As the head coach it's on me to make sure we refine the final piece to the puzzle that is technical execution with creating and finishing goal scoring opportunities
Unfortunately, tonight we didn't capitalize on those moments. And after the second goal scored by (Simon Fraser) with 14 minutes left in the match we had to chase the game. We will be better for it and will capitalize on these moments as we build on the momentum we know is real within these walls ... Go Cats."
First Half:
The first half of the match saw the Wildcats and Red Leafs searching for anything to find the back of the net. The 'Cats had themselves four shot attempts in the first half while the Red Leafs doubled that with eight. Junior Goalkeeper
Leighton Menge kept up her strong play as she was able to deny a couple of shots for two early saves. Both teams were given their opportunities in the first half but neither team would budge. With the score still sitting at 0-0, both squads went into the half planning on how to get that first goal to swing momentum their way.
Second Half:
The Red Leafs came out firing in the second half as they finally drew first blood just two minutes into the second half. Sam Bouchard was the first to find the net as she scored from a free kick 18 yards out. The Wildcats were still within striking distance until the 75-minute mark where Gemma Doumas was fed a pretty ball from Bouchard for another goal putting the 'Cats down 0-2. From that point on, the Wildcats defense could not keep up with the Red Leafs as they allowed two more goals in the final five minutes. Final score ended up as 4-0 in favor of Simon Fraser as the 'Cats couldn't quite get on the board in their first conference play match of the year.
Series History:
Simon Fraser leads all-time series at 16-15-4
4 straight wins over CWU for Simon Fraser
Up Next:
The Wildcats look to get back on track on Saturday at 7 p.m. as they play the rival Western Washington Vikings (3-1-2). The game will be on the road in Bellingham, Wash. as the 'Cats search for a rivalry win to start their win column.
