Seattle University opened their season hosting cross-town
rival Washington (1-0-0) but the Husky defense was too much for the Redhawks,
and UW came away with the 2-0 victory in the opener.
“It’s always great to start the season against a great
opponent and I was really happy about that,” said Seattle U head coach Julie
Woodward. “I really thought the game could have gone either way. I thought we
had some great opportunities and looks at the goal. Unfortunately I think we
had a couple of defensive miscues but overall, on the day, I was proud of us
and thought we had some great moments.”
Seattle U fired the first shot, as Stephanie Verdoia
(Salt Lake City, Utah) got a shot
off in the 19th minute of the game. Washington goalie Kari Davidson
made the save, however, one of nine she made on the day.
Lindsay Elston took the first shot for the Huskies on a
free kick, and Brianna Smallidge (Port Orchard, Wash.) made her first career
save. Smallidge played all 90 minutes in goal, making seven saves.
Alongside Smallidge, three others made their first career
start and appearance for the Redhawks including senior transfer Melissa Busque
(St. Bruno, Quebec, Canada), redshirt freshman Kiana Kraft (Kent, Wash.), and
freshman Julia Moravec (Spokane, Wash.). Busque and Moravec, along with
Verdoia, led the team with three shots apiece.
Washington scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick
by Elston at the 28:31 mark of the first half. Smallidge dove right as the ball
went left into the net.
Before the second Washington goal, the Redhawks were on
fire, taking a 12-4 lead in shots, and not letting UW get past midfield.
With 25 minutes remaining, Seattle U thought they had
evened the score at 1-1, but a foul was called and the goal was waved off.
In the 77th minute, Washington’s Chelsea
Archer went one-on-one with Smallidge after a pass by Isabel Farrell and sank
the ball into the left corner of the goal as insurance for the Huskies.
Washington goalkeeper Davidson earned her first win of
the season, improving to 1-0-0 and Smallidge fell to 0-1-0.
The Redhawks (0-1-0) return to action on Sunday, Aug. 19
hosting Saint Mary’s at 1 p.m. at Championship Field.
To catch all the action this season, visit www.GoSeattleU.com or call the Redhawk
ticket office at (206) 398-GOSU (4678) to purchase season tickets. Men’s and
women’s soccer season tickets are $75 apiece for reserved seats and $50 for
general admission. Single game tickets are available at the gate 60 minutes
prior to kickoff before each match.
