"It was pretty close and evenly matched game," said head coach Julie Woodward. "It was great to get the win. Today's game showed a lot of great character, especially getting a win in a close match. Our backline was very successful in protecting our goal by applying good pressure defensively, which set the tone of the game. Our overall team defending was solid."
The first half saw a lot of immediate pressure on the Redhawk goal. The Highlanders fired off four shots in the first 13 minutes, but the backline played composed and goalkeeper Madison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.) made a pair of saves to help swing the momentum towards the Seattle U offensive end.
SU kept possession of the ball for an extended period of time, bringing it deep into the UCR box. During a 13 minute period, the Redhawks, led by two shots from Kara Kuttler (Redmond, Wash.), sailed off five shots. Despite the strong offensive effort, Seattle U was unable to send any shots in on target, as they were blocked or wide of the goal. SU tallied eight shots to UCR's seven in the first half, but the Highlanders had four on target.
After a scoreless first half, the Redhawks were able to control possession early into the second period. Kuttler slammed in a shot in the 55th minute, but Riverside's 'keeper Jessica White was able to grab onto the ball for the save. Seven seconds later Nance Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) worked her way towards the goal to get off a shot that went above the crossbar. The attacking Redhawks remained persistent, as they were looking for their first goal of the season, but UC Riverside's defense kept SU out of their box.
Freshman Anderson subbed in for Ava Ames (Seattle, Wash.) midway through the half. Classmate Monique Escalera (Riverside, Calif.) drove the ball towards the goal on a great individual effort and saw a driving in Anderson. She crossed the ball off to the striker, who was able to send in the Redhawks first goal of the season and of her young collegiate career in the 61st minute.
Behind the offensive momentum, SU worked to maintain possession of the ball and keep it in the Highlander box. As the end of regulation time neared, UCR began to push the ball into the Redhawk box and got off three shot heading into the 10 minute remaining mark. While Riverside attempted to even the score late in the second half, Seattle U's defense remained composed and prevented the Highlanders from getting the ball into the back of their net despite pressure from UCR's attacking frontline.
For the Redhawks, Emma Levy (Sammamish, Wash.) was a solid offensive threat up top for Seattle U. The sophomore transfer has gelled into the lineup and worked well with the veteran striker Kuttler to push the ball deep into the Highlander box. Kuttler led the team with five shots in the game and Levy shot in three.
In the game, SU had 15 shots to UCR's 12; however the Redhawks only had two shots on goal to the Highlander's five. Seattle U's defense guided by the veteran tandem of central defenders N. Hill and Jordan Salisbury (Federal Way, Wash.) provided the leadership for the backline to prevent their opponent from getting a potential goal-scoring shot off. Freshman Escalera played the entire game at right back, and fellow newcomer Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) and junior Renee Vandermause (Colbert, Wash.) commanded the left outside back position. In addition to a strong backline, the entire squad was very conscious and aware when they were on defense. The entire team worked well to push the ball out of their half in the tight contest.
Goverde was solid between the pipes, as she had five saves in the game. With the 1-0 victory, the junior 'keeper earned her first shutout of the season.
Seattle U will remain in Southern California, as they will travel to Irvine to take on the Anteaters of UCI on Sunday, Aug. 29. First kick is slated for 1 p.m.