Two of the newest women’s soccer players made a major impact Wednesday afternoon, as junior transfer Maria Madeira (, ) set up freshman Kara Kuttler (, ) ten minutes into the second half to give the 15th-ranked Redhawks a 1-0 victory over in GNAC action.
Kuttler’s first shot of the sequence was saved by Crusader goalie Amanda Peters, but corralled the ball and fed Kuttler for a second chance. Kuttler did not miss, earning her fourth goal of the season while picked up her third assist of the year.
’s first scoring chance came midway through the first half, as a shot by Jasmine Wilson () was blocked, followed by a Peters save on an attempt by Ashley Porter (Redmond, Wash.). had another flurry in the 38th minute, as Leah Wymer () was denied by Peters and Kuttler followed with a chance that went wide. Peters finished the match with six saves.
Meanwhile, ’s defense held Northwest Nazarene (6-3-1, 3-2 GNAC) at bay, allowing only six total shots by the Crusaders in the match. Katy McNutt, the third-leading scorer in the GNAC, did not take a shot until late in the match, as the Redhawks held her and the rest of the Crusader offense to two shots on goal. Kaitlyn Jackson () made two saves on her way to her eighth shutout of the season.
With the victory, increases its winning streak to eight matches, one off the school record of nine set in 1996. It is the 12th consecutive season that the women’s soccer team has won at least ten matches, with outscoring its opponents 29-3 through the first 11 matches of the season.
Seattle University (10-1, 5-0 GNAC) returns home to prepare for its toughest test to date, as third-ranked Seattle Pacific, 10-0 heading into its match tomorrow night against Montana State Billings, comes to Championship Field Saturday, Sept. 29, for a 1 p.m. contest. The first 200 fans to come through the Championship Field entrance Saturday will receive Seattle University T-shirts.