Western Oregon Journal

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Sometimes, one is all it takes.

The Western women's soccer team only scored one goal against Central Washington on Friday, Sept. 30, but one goal was all the Wolves needed for the win.

In rainy conditions, forward Katie Branam scored the lone goal of the contest in the 17th minute, and the score held up for the win. The ball slipped through to Branam on the right side from the top and center of the penalty box, and the freshman sent a waist-high shot back to the left from about 16 yards out. The wet ball slipped through Central Washington sophomore goalkeeper Michelle Beattie's hands and into the back of the net.

Goalkeepers Amanda Nelson and Ally Meyer combined for six saves in the net, Nelson with one in the first half and Meyer with five in the second. Meyer made a key save to preserve the shutout and the win with just three minutes remaining when she blocked a penalty kick by Wildcat senior defender Chelsea Beck.

The win was the first Great Northwest Athletic Conference victory for Western this season, which raised its record to 1-2 in the GNAC and 4-6 overall. The loss dropped Central Washington to 2-1 in the conference and 5-6 overall.

The Wolves followed up their win over Central with a 4-0 loss to the Seattle Redhawks on Sunday, Oct. 2. Ashley Porter scored two goals to lead the Redhawks, including the first of the game in the seventh minute.

Western's next game is Thursday, Oct. 6, at Northwest Nazarene at 2 p.m. Pacific time. The Wolves' next home game is Monday, Oct. 10, against Humboldt State at 3 p.m.

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