SEATTLE – Seattle University women's soccer scored twice early and ran away for a 3-0 win over New Mexico State Thursday night. Ava Benedetti scored two goals and Sydney Carr recorded her nation-high 16th goal of the season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) game at Championship Field.
With the win, SU has secured a top-two spot in the WAC Tournament, earning a bye in the playoffs. With two matches left in the regular season, it can still claim at least a share of the WAC title with two victories.
The Redhawks (9-4-2, 8-2-2 WAC) got going early, as Leahi Manthei posted up at midfield and controlled the ball back to Kelsey Crosby, who sent a pass ahead to Carr. The forward made a move between two defenders to create space and fire from the right flank. Her left-footed shot beat the NMSU goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute.
Carr now has 15 goals in WAC play, marking the most ever in a single season. Hawaii's Natasha Kai scored 14 goals in WAC action in 2003.
SU scored again in the 14th minute, as a Natalie Dixon throw-in went to Manthei, who passed back to Dixon. Her pass on the ground was redirected by Carr to Benedetti, who fired from 15 yards out, with her shot hitting the crossbar and dropping beyond the line for a goal.
In the second half, the hosts tilted the field in their direction, peppering the NMSU backline. Benedetti gained possession of a loose ball in the 76th minute, made a move on her defender and fired a shot from 20 yards out that pierced the back of the net for a 3-0 margin.
Madison Waguespack made two saves for her sixth shutout of the season.
The teams will square off again on Saturday at Championship Field. SU will honor its three seniors before the noon kickoff.
With the win, SU has secured a top-two spot in the WAC Tournament, earning a bye in the playoffs. With two matches left in the regular season, it can still claim at least a share of the WAC title with two victories.
The Redhawks (9-4-2, 8-2-2 WAC) got going early, as Leahi Manthei posted up at midfield and controlled the ball back to Kelsey Crosby, who sent a pass ahead to Carr. The forward made a move between two defenders to create space and fire from the right flank. Her left-footed shot beat the NMSU goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute.
Carr now has 15 goals in WAC play, marking the most ever in a single season. Hawaii's Natasha Kai scored 14 goals in WAC action in 2003.
SU scored again in the 14th minute, as a Natalie Dixon throw-in went to Manthei, who passed back to Dixon. Her pass on the ground was redirected by Carr to Benedetti, who fired from 15 yards out, with her shot hitting the crossbar and dropping beyond the line for a goal.
In the second half, the hosts tilted the field in their direction, peppering the NMSU backline. Benedetti gained possession of a loose ball in the 76th minute, made a move on her defender and fired a shot from 20 yards out that pierced the back of the net for a 3-0 margin.
Madison Waguespack made two saves for her sixth shutout of the season.
The teams will square off again on Saturday at Championship Field. SU will honor its three seniors before the noon kickoff.