“It’s great to know that our team can have not their best game and still be able to grind it out,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “I thought Bakersfield came out with pressure and in terms of energy, they were ready. We were sloppy in the first half and I think it’s a good thing we got scored on. Going towards the conference tournament, I think it’s important to know that we can be scored on and still come from behind and win. I’m really proud of the team.”
The Redhawks held the early advantage offensively, outshooting the Roadrunners, 8-0, in the first half alone.
SU earned four corner kicks in the first half, but they were not able to score as the match remained tied, 0-0, at the half.
In the 51st minute, Hedda Regefalk put Bakersfield ahead, 1-0, driving the ball to the left back corner from just in front of the goal. Megan Todd was credited with the assist.
Exactly 20 minutes later, in the 71st minute, Jacqui Wallis (Lake Oswego, Ore.) evened the score on a cross by Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) from the far left side.
Heather Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.) scored the game-winner for Seattle U in the 88th minute, her first goal of the season, on assists by Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) and Kiana Kraft (Kent, Wash.) as the Redhawks kept their win streak and undefeated conference streak alive.
“It felt really good [to score the game-winner],” said Thomas. “Our team fought hard at the end and we really deserved it. Bakersfield is physical and tough and they always give us a good match but we got it in the end.”
Natasha Howe (Mission Viejo, Calif.) and Verdoia led SU with three shots apiece as the Redhawks outshot the Roadrunners, 17-2.
In goal, Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) recorded the win in goal while Tori Ornela made five saves in the complete game defeat.
Seattle U has four regular season games remaining, with three of four on the road as they travel to New Mexico State and Kansas City on Oct. 25 and 27 and Idaho on Nov. 3. They will honor this year’s senior class in their final home match of their SU career on Friday, Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. vs. Idaho. Stay up-to-date with the team by liking Seattle U Athletics and Seattle U Women’s Soccer on Facebook, following @su_athletics and @seattleuwsoc on Twitter, and su_redhawks and seattleuwsoc on Instagram.