MORAGA, Calif. -- The Eastern Washington University women's soccer team combined for three goals with three different players in its 3-1 victory against Saint Mary's on Sunday afternoon.
Similar to its victory just two days ago, the first half was defined by an offensive explosion in the opening minutes. Freshman defender Maia Inniss opened the scoring with her first collegiate goal in the seventh minute off a pass from junior Aimie Inthoulay.
It was after SMC's Jordyn Cunningham tied the match in the 12th minute that the flood gates opened. The Eagles immediately answered the Gaels with junior Savannah Hoekstra pressuring the goal with a shot, allowing junior Chloe Williams to score off the Saint Mary's save, giving Eastern a 2-1 lead in the 13th minute. Two minute later, freshman Brooke Dunbar would score her first collegiate goal on an unassisted shot. From this point on the defense clamped down on SMC's offensive efforts, and holding the EWU lead for the rest of the contest.
Win-Loss Record
Eastern Washington improves to 5-1-0, while Saint Mary's falls to 1-6-1.
What it Means
With its 3-1 win just two days prior, EWU follows up with a similar 3-1 victory, placing them in a good spot to begin a new winning streak.
Keys to the Game
Despite Saint Mary's outshooting Eastern 13 to eight, the Eagles made the most of their opportunities putting five of their shots on goal, compared to only three for the Gaels.
Top Performers
With her third goal in two matches, Chloe Williams is now tied for the season lead of four goals for Eastern.
Two EWU players scored their first collegiate goals this afternoon as Maia Inniss opened the scoring with her goal, while Brooke Dunbar helped add onto the lead.
Turning Point
The one-two punch of Williams and Dunbar in the 13th and 15th minutes gave the Eagles' defense breathing room and an opportunity to focus on shutting down the Gaels' offensive game.
Team Highlights
EWU played tough defense the entire match, holding SMC scoreless for 78 minutes of action. The defensive pressure kept the Gaels to only three shots on goal out of 13 attempted shots.
Notables
With the two points Chloe Williams collected today, she is now tied for first on the all-time points leaderboard at EWU with 55. She now just needs an assist to take the points title from Cassie Black (2011-14). On the season, Williams has nine total points only four goals and one assist.
Williams scored her 21st career goal, moving her just three goals behind the all-time goals leader Cassie Black.
Head Coach Chad Bodnar earned his 25th career win at Eastern Washington, moving his program record to 25-14-3.
Aimie Inthoulay continues her streak of assists with her seventh on the season and her sixth in three games. She moved up to fifth on the all-time assists list at EWU.
Forward Brooke Dunbar scored her first collegiate goal and points today, as well as redshirt freshman Maia Inniss.
Bodnar Bites
"Today was a very physical game on a thick slow surface. We started the game off really well and did what we had to do defensively to close out a road win."
"Our kids defended set pieces and corners very well and put a lot of Effort in to getting the win. I'm extremely proud of the group, and we keep finding a way."
What's Next
With their month long road trip winding down, the Eagles face the University of Nebraska-Omaha on Wednesday, Sept. 14 starting at 5 p.m. PST.
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