Despite Idaho (4-15-0, 4-8-0 WAC) scoring in the first minute of play, Seattle University women’s soccer (15-2-2, 12-0-0 WAC) defeated the Vandals, 3-1, to complete their perfect 12-0 record in Western Athletic Conference play. As the WAC Regular Season Champions, Seattle U enters next weekend’s WAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed. Currently on a 13-game winning streak, the Redhawks recorded 10 shutouts throughout the regular season.
Seattle U is just the fourth team in WAC history to finish conference play undefeated and the first WAC team to ever win 12 conference games. SMU went 6-0-0 in 1997 and 8-0-0 in 2001, San Diego State went 6-0-0 in 1998, and Utah State went 7-0-0 in 2008.
“I continue to be impressed with our team,” said head coach Julie Woodward. “Their character really came through today as we were down early in not ideal playing conditions after a long day of travel. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and I am looking forward to a couple practices before we head off to the conference tournament.”
Just 59 seconds into the game, Katie Baran gave the Vandals the early 1-0 lead with a header from the right side of the post, assisted by Kavita Battan.
In the 25th minute, Kiana Kraft (Kent, Wash.) equalized the score for the Redhawks, placing the ball in the top of the box past the Idaho goalie. Despite two late first half shots by Jacqui Wallis (Lake Oswego, Ore.) and Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah), the score remained tied at the half, 1-1.
Seattle U took the lead for good in the 54th minute on an own goal, adding a third goal for insurance in the 78th minute as Kelly Beck (Tacoma, Wash.) played the ball to Julia Besagno (Maple Valley, Wash.) directly in front of the box, coming away with the 3-1 win.
The Redhawks outshot the Vandals, 17-4, as Verdoia led SU with four shots, two on goal.
In goal, Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) made two saves for Seattle U while Marina Siegl made four saves in the start for Idaho and Torell Stewart also made an appearance for the Vandals.
As New Mexico State defeated Bakersfield earlier this afternoon, Idaho makes it into the conference tournament. Seattle U enters next weekend’s WAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed, facing No. 4 Idaho for the third straight match on Friday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. MT in Las Cruces, N.M. No. 2 Kansas City and No. 3 Utah Valley will face off at 2:30 p.m. MT on Friday. The winners of the two matches will compete for the WAC Championship on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. MT, with the winner advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Tickets can be purchased at nmstatesports.com or by calling (575) 646-1420.