Western Oregon Journal

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The Western women's soccer team traveled to Washington last weekend with the intent of at least getting a split from two games being played there. They accomplished that goal with a daring 1-0 victory over the Wildcats of Central Washington on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23.

The Wolves began the weekend of matchups with Washington-area schools against the Seattle University Redhawks on Champion Field in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 21. The Wolves stayed competitive for one half, but fell 6-0.

Against Central Washington, junior forward Amy Weberg scored the game's only goal in the 62nd minute of play. Lisa Munyon got the assist for Weberg's game-winning score. The win moved the Wolves to 7-10 overall and 4-5 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. Central Washington fell to 6-10 overall and 3-5 in conference action.

The win proved costly, though, for the Wolves as Weberg was injured on the goal-scoring play. Senior goalie Amanda Nelson was injured earlier on in the game as well. Western only used two reserves: Ally Meyer in the goal and Chesney McHan on the field.

Coach Rod Fretz is concerned the injuries that keep plaguing the squad, including Weberg's injury due to chronic back pain.

"Amy hurt her back on the play that she scored," coach Fretz explained. "She took a good shot. Amanda Nelson was in her first game back after a concussion and she rolled her ankle on a play. She will hopefully be around soon."

Central Washington outshot Western 14-6 in the game and had eight corner kicks to the Wolves' zero. Three of the Western's shots came from Weberg.

In the Friday game against Seattle, the Wolves only totaled six shots to the Redhawks' 30. Five of those shots came from Western sophomore midfielder Becky Myrold. Kim Weaver had the other shot. Western only used two substitutes for the game.

"Our shortage of players and their depth really hurt us," said coach Fretz. "To play with Seattle on their home field with only two subs really hurt us."

Senior Amanda Nelson made a relief appearance for Western goalkeeper Ally Meyer. Nelson played the final 22 minutes and gave up two goals with one save. Meyer, in the net for the first 68 minutes, gave up four goals with four saves.

Six different Seattle players score a goal in the win. Leah Wyner, Brittany Watson, Cassy Smith, Kathlyn Keitly-Lucas, Nina Banducci and Megan Fogarty all scored. Ashley Porter and Maryann Boddy both had two assists.

Western's keepers gave up four goals in the first 33 minutes of the second half in this game, which proved to be the deciding factor.

The soccer team is now off until Saturday, Oct. 29, when the Wolves face off against unbeaten and nationally second-ranked Seattle Pacific at the Western soccer field.

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