In a hard fought defensive battle, the Seattle University women's soccer team came up just short versus the crosstown Huskies of the University of Washington Friday evening at Championship Field. The Redhawks were even keeled with UW for a majority of the match, but a late second half miscommunication led to what would be the game-winning goal by the Huskies and a Washington 1-0 victory.
"I am not disappointed and I think it was a great home opener for us, in terms of quality competition," said head coach Julie Woodward. "UW is great and experienced team. I think that looking at this current team compared to last year, I feel like we have made some great strides."
"It was a tough game that could have gone either way. We created some opportunities for ourselves which was exciting to see. I think we were a bit more dynamic offensively and we defended well. They scored one great goal, which is a bummer, but I am happy with our overall play," concluded the veteran coach.
The first 45 was very physical, as both defenses were aggressive in protecting their goal. Senior Kara Kuttler (Redmond, Wash.) ignited the Redhawk offense early with her drive deep into the Washington box. After receiving the ball, the veteran forward dribbled it in edging closer and closer to the goal, despite having a Husky tightly guarding her. About five yards out she slammed in a shot past the diving UW goalkeeper Kari Davidson, but the ball deflected off the far post to prevent SU from getting an early lead in the sixth minute of action.
Following Kuttler's scoring attempt, the ball was primarily played in the middle of the field with possession changing over frequently. Kuttler had four of Seattle U's six first half shots. On the other end of the field, Washington tallied nine shots, with three on target, but junior 'keeper Madison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.) made the easy saves.
After a scoreless first half, both squads began to play more urgently trying to get the ball into each respective box. The opening minutes of the final half of regulation saw the ball bounce from one end of the field to the other, with both teams firing shots off. Midway through the second period the Huskies were able to get off a series of four shots and were able to maneuver the ball around with a little more control. The Redhawk backline did not panic and was able to clear the ball out and read the Washington offensive plan. In the 76th minute a missed coverage allowed for an open Kellye Joswick to bring the ball to the edge of the box and sail in a shot to the far post to give UW a 1-0 advantage. The midfielder's goal would prove to be the game-winner, as SU was unable to rebound despite several solid attempts.
Down 1-0, Woodward sent in senior Sarah Dean (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) to put fresh legs up top. The veteran striker pushed the ball deep into the Husky box and headed in a ball that nearly evened the game in the 83rd minute, but the post saved Washington from conceding a goal for the second time. The young Seattle U squad tried to keep possession around the UW box, but the Huskies were able to send the ball deep downfield and prevent many other serious scoring opportunities to hold onto their goal advantage.
A youthful Redhawk squad played the experienced Husky players with tact and experience beyond their years. Seattle U saw the collegiate debuts and starts from a trio of rookies: Julia Besagno (Maple Valley, Wash.), Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) and Kat Prati (Moorpark, Calif.) Also getting the starting nod was sophomore transfer Emma Levy (Sammamish, Wash.), who had a shot in the game. Both Besagno and Prati played the entire 90 minutes. Also making their collegiate debuts were freshmen Shawna Anderson (Pasco, Wash.), Monique Escalera (Westminster, Calif.) and Heather Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.), who redshirted her true freshman season in 2009.
"I was very proud and impressed with the way the newcomers played. They looked very experienced and seasoned, and they add a lot to our team. I think that anytime you add freshmen or new players that can step into that role that is exciting," commented Woodward.
The Huskies outshot the Redhawks 17 to 11, with seven shots on goal to SU's one. Goalkeeper Goverde played solidly between the pipes for Seattle U, managing the Redhawk defense and making several great saves.
Seattle U will look to bounce back on Sunday, Aug. 22, when Oregon State comes to town. Match time is set for 1 p.m. at Championship Field. The game will be the Beavers season opener.