ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington soccer (0-5-3) hosted Western Oregon University (2-3-2) in a highly contested match between the 'Cats and the Wolves. The Wildcats were able to get two goals, giving them their season high for goals in a game. Central kept the pressure on Western Oregon all game with 18 total shots and 11 of them on goal.
Quoting Head Coach John Hawks:
"We can't control how long seasons of adversity last; all we can control is how we respond. Based on how dynamic and prolific our offense was with a season high shots and shots on goal is a promising sign, especially against a quality opponent and defense in Western Oregon. Unfortunately, we put ourselves in a tough spot with three defensive breakdowns that were self-induced.
With how dynamic our offense was tonight, how great our defense played last Saturday at Western Washington, now it is a matter of putting a total product of ball together for a full 90. Knowing this group and what they are capable of, I have faith and trust in how they will respond against Saint Martins on Saturday ... Go Cats!"
First Half:
The Wolves wasted very little time before getting on the board as Kyra Dibenedetto found herself an opportunity assisted from Maya Courtenay. CWU struck back after a few shot attempts with Marison Badillo executing a goal opportunity. A struggle of the 'Cats all season has been letting the opponents take numerous shot attempts, today in the first half, Western Oregon only had 4. The defense seems to be improving for CWU as goalie
Danika Galbraith was not kept under the same amount of pressure as in recent weeks. In the first half Galbraith recorded one save.
Second Half:
As the second half began, you could feel the Wildcats had a shot at their first win of the season. Western Oregon opened the half with another goal that was once again assisted by Maya Courtenay, this time finding Olivia Boger. Wildcats did not waste much time getting that goal back though as
Jaylee Reynolds found herself with a penalty kick where she executed on a kick right down the middle. Just two minutes later though, Western Oregon's Kyra Dibenedetto finished a contested header passed to her by Olivia Boger. Despite the Wolves' minimal shot attempts, they still were able to outscore the Wildcats 3-2 as the 'Cats couldn't finish in their best offensive showing thus far.
Series History:
WOU leads series 22-10-12
CWU's last 10 matches vs WOU: 0-6-4
Next Up:
The 'Cats have another home game at Tomlinson this weekend on Saturday at 11 a.m. as they host Saint Martins University. Central Washington will be looking to carry their offensive momentum into their day game against the Saints
