CHENEY, Wash. – Ten wins and rolling for the Eastern Washington University women's soccer team as it travels for a pair of Big Sky Conference matches this weekend. Eastern opens the weekend with Southern Utah on Friday, Oct. 14 starting at 3 p.m. Pacific Time, and ends with Northern Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 16 starting at 12 p.m.
With just one game last week, the Eagles recorded their third-straight shutout in a 3-0 victory against Weber State on Sunday, Oct. 9. They improved their record to 10-1-2 and 4-0-1 in the Big Sky Conference.
Eastern currently holds second place in the league standings, going up against NAU and SUU, who rank eight and 11, respectively. Every road trip is difficult and the Lumberjacks have a 3-1-2 record at home. All of the Thunderbirds' victories have come at home, as they will be looking to erase a three-game losing streak.
All-Time Series
Southern Utah: It will be the sixth match in program history against SUU with EWU holding the series lead at 3-2. The Thunderbirds took the matchup last year on Oct. 18, beating the Eagles 1-0 on the road.
Northern Arizona: Eastern holds a 6-12-1 all-time record against NAU, but took last season's game 4-2 on Oct. 16 at home.
Last Time Out
Scoring opened in the 18th minute against WSU when a sprinting Chloe Williams blew by the Wildcats' defenders and beat the goalie in a one-on-one to give EWU 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Williams was once again driving the ball and sent a cross over to the waiting Devan Talley as she punched in the goal for a 2-0 lead in the 58th minute. Involving herself on every Eastern score this afternoon, Williams scored on an absolute laser from 20-yards out. The Wildcats' goalkeeper had no shot at the save, and EWU would take the 3-0 win.
All-Time Scorer
After tying the all-time career goals record against Idaho two weeks ago, junior Chloe Williams finally took sole possession of the record after her five-point game against Weber State last Sunday. Tied at 26 goals with Cassie Black (2011-14), Williams did not waste time seizing the title on the opening goal of the match. Williams would later add on to her new record, making it 28 goals in her three year career.
Williams is also the all-time points and assist leader at Eastern. Her marks are 66 and 14, respectively.
Reclaiming First
This weekend gives EWU the opportunity to take back control of first place in the Big Sky Conference. The rival Idaho Vandals snuck by in the league standings with a 5-1 record after playing two matches last weekend to EWU's one. UI only has one match this week, allowing the Eagles to gain ground and once again capture the lead.
Thriving on the Road
With only one loss on the entire season, EWU has by far the best record in the Big Sky. Part of that success comes from a league-best 4-1-2 record on the road. Since the 3-1 loss at the hands of UNLV, the Eagles have remained unbeaten through nine games, six of which have been away from Cheney.
Defensive Excellence
Last weekend EWU picked up its third clean sheet in as many matches, making it six on the season. The defense is currently on a 304 minute scoreless streak dating back to final 14 minute of the 2-1 win over Idaho on Sept. 25.
Overall, Eastern has only allowed more than one point from its opponents in just three games all season.
Knowing Your Opponent: Southern Utah
Southern Utah has a 2-9-1 record this season and is 1-4 in the Big Sky. SUU has struggled on the defensive end as of late, allowing nine goals in its last three games. Most recently the team fell on the road to North Dakota 4-1. Last season, the Thunderbirds finished 8-8-2 and 3-5-2 in league play. Their head coach Becky Hogan is in her fifth year with the program.
Southern Utah currently has three players tied for a team lead of five points, each with two goals and an assist. Among the leaders is junior Ally Thimsen who led the team last year with 14 points on seven goals. She has played in just nine games this year.
Knowing Your Opponent: Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is currently 5-7-2 and 2-2-1 in conference, placing eighth in the standings. NAU split a pair of matches last weekend, defeating North Dakota 2-1 on Oct. 7 and falling to Northern Colorado 3-0 on Oct. 9. Last year, Northern Arizona went 9-8-2 and 4-4-2 in league play. Head Coach Andre Luciano is in his 16th season with the program and holds a 126-135-44 record.
The Lumberjacks return four starters, while bringing in 12 newcomers. Junior forward Adrian Nixt leads the team with 11 point on five goals and one assist.
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