PORTLAND, Ore. – The Eastern Washington University women's soccer team earned its third shutout in its last five matches on Friday, Sept. 30, as they picked up a 0-0 tie on the road against Big Sky Conference opponent Portland State.
The Eagles defense was led by senior goalkeeper Mallory Taylor, as she picked up a five saves for the second-consecutive match to earn her third clean sheet of 2016. Today's 110-minute clean sheet pushes the reigning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week's current scoreless streak to 124 minutes. Today's shutout now gives Taylor four in her career at Eastern.
Taylor wasn't the only Eagle to record a save against Portland State on Friday, as in the 59th minute the Vikings' attempt at an open net was stopped by junior M'Kenna Hayes, as she jumped in front of an empty net to head out a potential goal for PSU.
It looked as if Eastern would string together a goal in the 82nd minute, as freshman Saige Lyons crossed the ball in front of the goal inside the six-yard box, but her cross would fail to land with a teammate, as the Portland State goalie picked the ball up off a bounce to keep the game scoreless.
The two teams would fail to break through with a goal in 20 minutes of extra time, as Eastern would pick up a point on the road.
"I thought we gutted through today," said head coach Chad Bodnar. We didn't create much on the offensive end and give credit to Portland State for that. Mallory came up with some huge saves, and our backline picked up another shutout, which is always a positive. We just have to be better and more creative to get a goal against teams that sit back deep."
Win-Loss Record
Eastern Washington moves to 8-1-2 and picks up its seventh point in league play, as they move to 2-0-1 in the Big Sky. For Portland State, they move to 2-8-1 and 0-2-1 in the conference.
What it Means
This was the second overtime match in a row for Eastern and its fifth of the season. The Eagles have yet to be beaten in extra periods, with a 3-0-2 record. The team's unbeaten streak also extends to seven matches with the tie.
Keys to the Game
The Eagles' defense continues to excel, holding opponents to just two goals scored in the last five matches. They have also shut out their opponent in four games this season.
Top Performers
Goalkeeper Mallory Taylor defended her status as last week's Big Sky Defense Player by posting a clean sheet. She took hard contact on multiple plays to break up Portland State scoring opportunities, and collected five saves on the afternoon.
In 110 minutes of action, sophomore Jenny Chavez was responsible for three of EWU's four shots and all of the team's two shots on goal.
Team Highlights
The defense was the star of the contest for Eastern, holding the Vikings scoreless through 14 shots and six shots on goal in 110 minutes of play. The team swallowed up all of PSU's attacks and Taylor often beat the Vikings' forwards to the ball.
Notables
EWU gained a point with today's tie and will maintain first place in the conference standings.
Mallory Taylor reigned in five more saves for her career total bringing it to 121, just one save off the seventh place mark on the all-time list.
Bodnar Bites
On Picking Up a Road Point: "A point on the road is never a bad thing, but we expect more. Now we need to get ready for a very talented and athletic Sacramento State team on Sunday, while we rest and recover on the trip down there tomorrow."
What's Next
The Eagles travel to Sacramento State on Sunday, Oct. 2 to end their two-game road trip.
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