The Seattle University women's soccer team opened the 2009 season with a 1-0 shutout over Boise State Friday evening at Championship Field. The Redhawks (1-0-0) battled the Broncos (0-1-0) throughout the aggressive and physical 90-minute contest. SU broke through in the 30th minute, when senior Jamie Coe received a ball just outside the penalty box. Coe crossed it to fellow senior Jamie Peterson, who chipped the ball to the far post over the BSU goalkeeper to score the game-winning goal.
"We are happy to start off the season with a shutout at home," said head coach Julie Woodward. "After getting on the board, we got more comfortable and were able to get past our first-game nerves. I am happy with how the team played and our defense played great, especially in the second half."
The SeattleU defense managed Boise State's offense, allowing only five total shots and none in the second half. Freshman Carlee Norquist made her collegiate debut starting on the SU backline. The Redhawk rookie was composed at left outside back and held her own against the scrappy BSU strikers. Fellow freshmen Taylor Bolibol, Liana Heberer and Chelsea Jennings came off the bench in their first contest with SeattleU in the midfield.
Senior tri-captain Kate Edstrom created several scoring opportunities for the Redhawks. The outside defender worked the ball up and down the right line, sending passes into the box for the strikers to settle and shoot on goal. SU tallied 17 shots in the game and 11 on goal, with Coe leading the forwards with six total shots. Junior Kara Kuttler worked tirelessly with Coe on the frontline, as she sent in numerous passes into the BSU box.
Returning to the lineup was senior forward Sarah Dean, who saw time in both the first and second halves. Dean, who missed last season due to injury, successfully was able to move the ball around the Boise State half during her time on the field. She combined with midfielders Alicia Malstrom, Kassandra Riozzi and M'ily Reiter to send the ball into the box. The trio of midfielders had six of the team's 17 total shots. Sophomore Taylor Fannin also got in the mix, after coming off the bench, the midfielder tactfully passed balls up top to continue the Redhawk offensive firing attack.
On the other end of the field, the SU central defenders Nance Hill and Jordan Salisbury prevented Boise State from penetrating the SeattleU box throughout the game. They protected the Redhawk goal, preventing sophomore goalkeeper Madison Goverde from having a busy day between the posts. The second-season 'keeper only had two saves in the first period, as the SU defense kept the Bronco offense at bay throughout the second half and did allow them to create any solid scoring opportunities.
After a solid home opener, SeattleU will close out their season opening weekend versus University of Idaho. The match on Sunday, Aug. 23, is slated for noon at Championship Field. The Vandals of Idaho were routed 3-0 by No. 21 Washington State in Pullman, Wash. in their season opener.