Ellensburg, Wash. – Central Washington Soccer (0-4-3) welcomes Western Oregon University (1-3-2) to Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium on Thursday at 5 p.m. It will be their GNAC home opener following a 0-0 tie against Western Washington University in rival match up on the road. Following that, on Saturday at 11 a.m. the team will also host Saint Martins University (1-5-1) for the 'Cats second home match of the week. 
 
Last Match:
 
The final score was 0-0 as for the first time in 11 road matches vs the Vikings, the result of the match was a tie which meant they came out with a point to their season total. Coach John Hawks described how important this meant to the team and the program. "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 … The fact we accomplished something CWU hasn't done in a long time at their place, and still a lot of areas we can improve is a testament to where we are heading."
It was a hard-fought match up with a lot of defense on both sides in the Wildcat vs Viking battle. The 'Cats looked found a couple early opportunities with two shots that could not find their way into the net but was a good sign to start the match with goal scoring opportunities. However, those two chances CWU had were the only shots they would get at the net all game. The Vikings quickly matched those shot attempts and more as they finished the first half with four of them and then another nine chances in the second half. Despite being behind in shot column, CWU showed great resiliency hanging in with a team who has had their number for quite a while. The team was proud to come out of rival territory with a point to add to their season total and momentum going into their next match vs Western Oregon University.
 
Looking at Western Oregon University:
 
The Wolves currently sit at a season record of 1-3-2 with a conference record of 0-1-1. Both the 'Cats and the Wolves will be heading into Thursdays match searching for their first conference win of the year. Forward Kyra Dibenedetto is a player the Wildcats will have to look out for defensively as she is one of Western Oregon's lead scorers on the year. The Wolves are coming into Tomlinson Stadium following a 0-3 loss to Seattle Pacific University. We will see if the 'Cats with their newfound momentum will be able to pounce for a win in front of their home fans.

Looking at Saint Martins:

The Saints are coming to the 'Burg on a three game losing streak putting them at a record of 1-5-1 after a 1-2 loss vs Montana State Billings University. In both matches last year, the Wildcats and Saints couldn't decide a winner with both matches played against one another ending in a 1-1 draw. Both teams will be looking to be the ones to finally come out on top, and it could end up being the Wildcats if they continue their momentum and strong defensive efforts against their two home match ups this week. .