SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Eastern Washington University soccer team was awarded a 1-0 victory at the hands of Big Sky Conference foe Sacramento State, thanks to a clutch game-winner from senior Kiana Hafferty on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Through 80 minutes of play, the match was starting to look like a repeat of EWU's last time out with both teams struggling to penetrate the opposing defense. But a glimmer of hope rose in the form of a free kick for sophomore Allison Raniere in the 86^th minute. She sent the pass inside the six-yard box, giving Kiana Hafferty the opportunity to corral the loose ball and chest in the goal.

"The second half Sacramento State responded well and had us on our heels for a bit," said head coach Chad Bodnar.

"Our kids did well being organized and staying behind the ball for the most part, and Kiana came through for us in a big moment."

With its first goal and lead in 196 minutes of play, the Eagles were able to clamp down on the CSUS offense for the closing minutes and take the 1-0 win on the road.

Win-Loss Record
Eastern Washington improves to 9-1-2 and 3-0-1 in the Big Sky Conference, while Sacramento State falls to 3-5-4 and 1-1-2 in the BSC.

What it Means
EWU narrowly avoided its third overtime match in a row and picked up its fourth shutout in six matches, as it continues its unbeaten start to conference play. The Eagles sit atop the Big Sky standings with 10 points. Weber State is right behind them with nine points on a 3-1 record.

Keys to the Game
Senior goalkeeper Mallory Taylor and the Eagle defense continues to excel, earning a second-straight shutout and extending their scoreless streak to 214 minutes.

Top Performers
Kiana Hafferty scored the game winning goal on her lone shot of the match in 14 minutes of play coming off the bench.

Mallory Taylor proved once again why she was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week, recording her fourth clean sheet of the season and her second in a row. She had four saves on the afternoon.

Turning Point
It only takes one goal, and the Eagles understood this heading into the final stages of a match that had remained 0-0 for 86 minutes. The free kick from Raniere set up the clutch moment for Hafferty, and she pulled through, giving Eastern the only goal it needed.

Team Highlights
The EWU offense spread the ball well collecting 15 shots from 10 different players, outshooting the Hornets total of 13 shots. The team also forced eight corners to only three for CSUS.

Notables
Goalkeeper Mallory Taylor earned her fourth shutout of the season and her sixth of her career. She moves up to third on the all-time list at EWU.

Taylor also moved up the rankings in career saves, increasing her career total to 125 after today's four save performance. She is now seventh on the program's all-time list.

Kiana Hafferty scored her second goal of the season today and the fourth of her career.

Allison Raniere recorded her first point of the season on her assist. She now has three career assists and nine points.

This season Eastern has performed no matter where it's played, holding a perfect 4-0 record at home and a league best 4-1-2 record on the road. Idaho has the next best road record at just 3-4-0.

Bodnar Bites
"We kept two clean sheets on the road this weekend, and today was a great result for us against a quality opponent in CSUS. I'm really proud of our kids for finding a way today."

What's Next
The Eagles return home to face Weber State on Sunday, Oct. 9 starting at 12 p.m. PST.

For more information, and exclusive content, on the Eastern Washington soccer team, follow @EWUSoccer on Twitter.