Bellingham, Wash. – Central Washington Soccer (0-4-3) traveled west to take on a familiar foe in the rival Western Washington Vikings (3-1-3). Coming in as the underdogs, the Wildcats did not let that stop them from playing strong defense all game not letting a ball hit the back of the net. While the defense is holding strong, the offense still searches for momentum after only attempting two shots all game opposed to Westerns 13.
QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS:
"Gritty performance from a gritty group. The women in the locker room are the real deal and getting a point at WWU in their house is a testimony to that reality. What Coach Travis [Connell] has built at WWU and how their group competes, especially at home, is a testament to their program and also to ours and what we are becoming.
We have made it more difficult for ourselves in the second half than it needed to be. We are capable of being more composed and facilitating play as a collective better than we did. The fact we accomplished something CWU hasn't done in a long time in their place, and still have a lot of areas we can improve on is a testament to the direction we are heading.This group is a unique and special team I've had the privilege to be apart of and it's a real joy to be within these walls with them!
We will enjoy the result until Monday and get back to work as a staff with film and trainings to ensure we play our part to set them up for success when it comes times to protect our house next week on Thursday and Saturday respectively. Our future is bright ... Go Cats!
First Half:
The only two shots taken all game by the 'Cats took place early in the match as they searched for an opportunity to strike first. At the nine-minute mark, Kaylee Schreck found a chance and put up a shot on goal that was saved by Vikings goalie Ellie McGowan. The second and final shot attempt by CWU took place 12 minutes later with
Shannah Mellick attempting one but missing wide right. Goalie
Danika Galbraith had herself two saves keeping the scoreboard clean as well.
Second Half:
Galbraith also had a strong second half as she saw nine shots come in her direction in the half and three saves, bringing her to five total on the day. The Wildcats struggled to push the ball down field and were unable to find themselves in a corner kick opportunity while the Vikings did eight times in the half and ten overall. Despite that, the Wildcats defense had an impressive outing doing all they could to keep their rivals from getting the upper hand.
Series History:
WWU leads series 39-3-8
CWU in last 10 match ups vs WWU: 0-7-3
Before today, Vikings were 10-0 in their last 10 home matches vs CWU
Next Up:
The 'Cats are back in town next week as they host the Western Oregon Wolves Thursday at 5 p.m. and Saint Martins University on Saturday at 11 a.m. With students flooding back into town, CWU soccer is looking for the fans to pack Tomlinson Stadium for their two home matches.
