Seattle University women’s soccer (3-2-0) took a 1-0 lead into halftime and held on for the remainder as they defeated Gonzaga (1-2-1) in Spokane. The victory marked the 250th of head coach Julie Woodward’s career in her 19th season at the helm.
"I was extremely proud of the team today," said Woodward. "Julia Morvec and Kelly Beck played extremely well and showed great leadership. Our freshman are getting better and better each game, playing with a lot of composure and showing huge signs of improvement every day."
In the 15th minute, Kyla Danforth (Canyon Country, Calif.) scored her first career goal with a strike near the far post past the Gonzaga keeper to give the Redhawks the lead and, ultimately, the win.
The Redhawks and Bulldogs even in shots in the second 45 minutes, SU recorded the last three shots of the game attempting to further insure their lead.
Seattle U keeper Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) made two saves in her 17th career shutout, second of 2015, while Gonzaga’s Christie Tombari made five saves.
The ‘Zags outshot the Redhawks, 13-11, overall but Summer Mason (Carlsbad, Calif.) and Spokane native Julia Moravec led with three shots apiece. Despite Gonzaga leading the shot total, Seattle U’s shots proved more quality as they led in shots on goal, 6-2.
With a single game this weekend, Seattle U looks forward to next weekend as they face Purdue (Friday, Sept. 11) and Creighton (Sunday, Sept. 13) in Missoula, Mont. Stay tuned to GoSeattleU.com for all the latest updates on the team.