MISSOULA, Mont. – Caroline Penner notched her 21st career Redhawk goal as Seattle University women’s soccer battled to a 1-1 draw against the University of Denver in their final match in the Rumble in the Rockies.
The Redhawks absorbed pressure in the opening minutes, battling an aggressive high press from the Pioneers that showcased the defensive resiliency of the Seattle U back line. Goalkeeper Kassidy Kirgan – in her second match in her hometown – produced three saves in the first half to keep the score level.
Building from the back and committing to possession, Seattle U began chipping away at the deep, defensive Denver shape. Junior midfielder Katie Piburn unleashed a long-range strike in the 20th minute, forcing a save from the DU keeper that narrowly missed the game’s opener.
The Redhawks would find the breakthrough in the 55th minute. Off a quick throw-in, sophomore midfielder Kyla Schuster spun her defender just outside the box to play in the awaiting Penner. Forcing a save from the Pioneer keeper off the cross from Schuster, Penner stabbed home the rebound to tally her first goal of the 2025 campaign.
Following Penner’s opener, SU found itself on the back foot as Denver ramped up the intensity in search of the tying goal. The Pioneers ended their two-match scoreless drought off a corner kick in the 75th minute, knocking home a loose ball to even the score.
In search of the winner, the Redhawks found close opportunities in the closing 10 minutes. A well-designed free kick from U’i Kaaihue on the edge of the box saw a header from Penner narrowly miss the frame, while Kailee Wilson crossed in a ball that deflected off a Denver defender and hit the crossbar a few moments later.
Though SU enjoyed the lion’s share of scoring chances, Denver’s back line remained firm, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
The Redhawks return home to Championship Field Thursday, Aug. 28, to take on crosstown rival Washington in a Battle for Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.
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