ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University Women's Soccer Team (0-2-1) showed its resilience by battling back for a 1-1 draw against MSU Denver on Thursday evening with a goal from
Cam Sheets during a torrential second-half downpour.
QUOTING CWU HEAD WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH JOHN HAWKS:
"It was another competitive effort by our group and the raw data in stats shows we're continuing to make the right mistakes and out produce our opponent with goal scoring opportunities.
This group is as dynamic and high level of a team I've had the great fortune of working with during my 8 years within the GNAC conference.
Developing the attacking chemistry of a total 11 on the field is arguably the toughest segment of the game for any team, especially early in a season.
Knowing the ability and Soccer IQ this group has and the moments they're creating on the field is where we'll put trust in the process that comes with growing as a team…Go Cats!"
FIRST HALF:
The Wildcats dictated much of the opening 45 minutes, generating four shots, six corner kicks, and sustained pressure in the attacking third. The Wildcats created scoring opportunities through
Sydney Madison,
Caitlyn Schreck,
Marisa Badillo, and
Haley Engstrom, while the defense limited MSU Denver's chances and received three saves from goalkeeper
Danika Galbraith. Despite the field advantage, neither team was able to break through as the match entered halftime scoreless.
SECOND HALF:
The match took on a different feel after halftime as a torrential downpour moved into Ellensburg, creating challenging conditions for both sides. MSU Denver struck first in the 58th minute to take a 1-0 lead, but Central answered quickly, continuing to apply pressure and capitalize on a series of corner-kick opportunities before
Cam Sheets played a header in for the equalizer in the 62nd minute off an assist from
Emma Barrett. With rain continuing to fall throughout the remainder of the match, CWU generated several late opportunities and finished with seven second-half shots, but neither team could break the deadlock as the Wildcats earned a 1-1 draw.
SERIES HISTORY:
- Metro State leads the all-time series 1-0-2.
- Both teams have battled with all three matchups being within one goal or tied/
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats continue their homestand in the CWU Women's Soccer Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting UC Merced at 1 p.m. at Tomlinson Stadium.
