MORAGA, Calif. – Seattle U women's soccer secured its place in the inaugural West Coast Conference Women's Soccer Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Saint Mary's Saturday afternoon at Saint Mary's Stadium. The Redhawks scored once in each half to earn the road win and clinch a postseason berth.
Seattle U (11-4-4, 5-1-2 WCC) struck just before halftime, as Sophie Hanson headed home her first collegiate goal in the 45th minute. Hanson finished off a set-piece opportunity at 44:51, converting a pass from Jaelyn Byeman to give the Redhawks a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
45' GOOOAAALLL What'c cooler than a buzzer beater for your first collegiate goal?!?!?! ⏰🤯 ESPN+ https://t.co/3uvvDT7eAx
— SU Women's Soccer (@seattleuwsoc) October 31, 2026
The Redhawks extended their lead early in the second half. Leila Leano scored her fifth goal of the season at 57:09, finding the net unassisted to put Seattle U ahead 2-0.
The two-goal advantage was more than enough for the Redhawks, who held off the Gaels over the final 33 minutes to preserve the shutout. Goalkeeper Kassidy Kirgan recorded three saves to earn her seventh victory of the season and Seattle U's eighth shutout.
Seattle U controlled much of the attacking action, finishing with a 14-12 advantage in shots and a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. The Redhawks also generated 12 corner kicks compared to just one for Saint Mary's.
The victory moves the Redhawks to 5-1-2 in WCC play and guarantees Seattle U a spot among the conference's top four teams, securing a berth in the first-ever WCC Women's Soccer Tournament.
The inaugural tournament is scheduled for Nov. 11-14, with the four qualifying teams competing for the conference championship. The highest-seeded team will host each match, with the championship game set for Saturday, Nov. 14.
Seattle U returns home for its regular-season finale and Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 7, hosting Denver at Championship Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT.
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