LOS ANGELES – Seattle U women's soccer is headed to the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game after earning a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pepperdine Wednesday night at Sullivan Field.
The Redhawks (12-4-5) rallied from an early deficit and twice answered Pepperdine's goals before U'i Kaaihue delivered the game-winner in the 70th minute to send Seattle U through to Saturday's championship.
Pepperdine opened the scoring in the 14th minute, but Seattle U responded just three minutes later. Sophie Hanson set up Vivien Villarreal for the equalizer in the 17th minute, with Villarreal finding the back of the net for the fourth time this season. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1.
17' GOOOAAALLL THE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR 🗣️ 📺 ESPN+ https://t.co/rOtJGzvq04
— SU Women's Soccer (@seattleuwsoc) November 12, 2026
Seattle U came out with momentum in the second half, taking its first lead in the 60th minute. Kaaihue played a ball to Hanson, who finished for her second goal of the season to put the Redhawks ahead, 2-1.
Pepperdine answered in the 64th minute to even the score at 2-2, setting up a decisive final stretch. Seattle U found the breakthrough in the 70th minute as Villarreal assisted Kaaihue, who buried her eighth goal of the season to restore the Redhawks' lead at 3-2.
70' GOOOAAALLL WHO ELSE BUT U'I?!?!?! 📺 ESPN+ https://t.co/398JpGK9MQ
— SU Women's Soccer (@seattleuwsoc) November 12, 2026
The Seattle U defense held firm over the final 20 minutes, while goalkeeper Kassidy Kirgan came up with several important stops to preserve the victory. Kirgan finished with seven saves, helping the Redhawks withstand Pepperdine's 17 shots.
Seattle U finished with 11 shots, including six on target, and held a 54-46 advantage in possession. The Redhawks also earned six corner kicks compared to three for Pepperdine.
With the semifinal victory, Seattle U advances to the WCC Tournament championship game for a Saturday showdown against Santa Clara. The championship is set for Nov. 14 at Sullivan Field in Los Angeles, with the Redhawks looking to cap their tournament run with a conference title.
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