After scoring seven goals in its first two matches, the offense of the 12th-ranked Seattle University women’s soccer team was held at bay as Chico State scored in the 13th minute of the match and held on for a 1-0 victory Tuesday night at University Soccer Stadium.
Coming into the match averaging 17.5 shots per match, Seattle University was held to ten total shots, including only three shots on goal. Chico State goalie Kari Gonzales kept Seattle off the scoreboard in notching her 29th career victory and 22nd career shutout.
A rare turnover by the Redhawks led to Chico State’s goal, as Ashley Gunther stole a pass and knocked it ahead to Emese Grek, who had plenty of time to plan her attack. Grek’s shot from 12 yards out eluded Seattle goalie Kaitlyn Jackson (Kent, Wash.) and found the back of the net to give the Wildcats a lead they would not relinquish.
Jackson also finished the night with three saves as she faced 13 total shots by Chico State, five of those taken by Grek. Chico State improved to 2-0 with the victory while Seattle, who had just moved up to 12th in this week’s NSCAA/adidas national poll, fell to 2-1.
After several days in California, Seattle University returns to the Pacific Northwest for its home opener Thursday, August 30, against Cal State Stanislaus beginning at 4 p.m. at Championship Field. The Redhawks will also host San Francisco State Saturday, September 1, at Championship Field, also beginning at 4 p.m.