Seattle University women's soccer (9-9-2) played a close, tough game versus host Utah State (12-2-6) in the Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinals, but a late goal by the Aggies sealed their win, 2-1. Utah State advances to the Championship game to face Denver on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. PT.
The two teams played an even first half, both showing great defense, and the score remained 0-0 going into the halftime break.
In the 64th minute, Utah State's Jennifer Flynn was taken down in the box and Natalie Norris scored on the penalty kick to give the Aggies the 1-0 lead.
The Redhawks fought back to tie the game in the 83rd minute, 1-1, as Melissa Busque (St. Bruno, Quebec, Canada) was also taken down in the box and Julia Besagno (Maple Valley, Wash.) scored on a penalty kick of her own.
The game appeared to be headed toward overtime until the 89th minute when Flynn chipped the ball towards the goal, assisted by Mari Miyashiro. The ball bounced off Brianna Smallidge's (Port Orchard, Wash.) hands into the net for the game-winning goal.
Smallidge made two saves in the complete game for Seattle U. Ashlyn Mulford made four saves in the complete game win for Utah State.
Busque led the Redhawks with three shots, all on goal. The Aggies outshot the Redhawks, 16-6, but were outnumbered by Seattle U in shots on goal, 5-4.
Busque, Renee Vandermause (Madison, Wisc.), Carlee Norquist (Boise, Idaho), and Taylor Bolibol (Woodinville, Wash.) played in their final contest in Seattle U uniform. The Redhawks also say goodbye to Chelsea Jennings (Tacoma, Wash.), Heather Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.), and Liana Heberer (Oceanside, Calif.). They finish the season with a 3-3-2 league record in their first season in the Western Athletic Conference.
