CHENEY, Wash.—The Eastern Washington University soccer team comes back to town for two matches this week. The first game the Eagles will play is against South Dakota on Friday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m., followed by Grambling State on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m.
The Eagles are now 1-1-0 in season play and will first face the South Dakota Coyotes who are 0-1-1 on their season. Eastern then plays the Grambling State Tigers for an early game this Sunday (Aug. 26) at the EWU Soccer Field at 10 a.m.
Last Time Out
To open Eastern's 2018 season, the Eagles hosted CSU Bakersfield on Friday, Aug. 17. The game resulted in an overtime win with a lone corner kick goal from sophomore
Emma Vanderhyden in the 95th minute of play. The victory marked head coach
Chad Bodnar's 50th win at Eastern Washington.
EWU then went on to host Seattle U. on Sunday, Aug. 19 at home, but due to poor air quality the game ended up being canceled and then rescheduled to Monday, Aug. 20 in Seattle.
Against the Redhawks, the Eagles were unable to secure a win on their unexpected road trip. Seattle U. ended up winning 3-0 over EWU in 90 minutes of play, although both teams took 12 shots a piece.
Big Sky Leaders
So far this season, the Eagles are tied for first in the Big Sky Conference along with Northern Colorado, Northern Arizona, and Portland State who all have a 1-1-0 record on the year.
EWU leads the Big Sky in total corner kicks with 14 on the season, and also leads in total shots taken with 38.
Senior
Allison Raniere is tied for second in shots taken on the 2018 season with eight.
Knowing Your Opponent: South Dakota
EWU played USD last season at home and shutout the Coyotes 1-0. The Eagles look to make this upcoming match two-straight wins at the EWU Soccer Field.
The Coyotes are 0-1-1 on the 2018 season following a 4-2 loss against Wyoming and then went on and tied against Northern Iowa, 0-0.
USD is lead by junior Amanda Carpio in shots taken with five, three of them being on goal, followed closely by freshman Tiannah Moore with three shots on the year.
Senior goalkeeper Parker Rytz is recorded to have saved 10 shots since this season has begun.
Since EWU last saw USD, a new coach has been hired on for the Coyotes. Head coach Michael Thomas comes to South Dakota after being an associate head coach at Cal State Fullerton for the last four seasons.
Knowing Your Opponent: Grambling State
Eastern has never faced Grambling State, so this upcoming match is one for the record books. Grambling State is 1-1-0 overall with one loss against Lamar, 5-0, and one win against Nicholls State 2-1.
GSU sophomore Kaylee Holt and freshman Alyssa Ozuna lead their team in shots, both with four.
Junior goalkeeper Hanna Johnson has 11 saves on the 2018 season.
The GSU Tigers will take on neighboring school, Idaho on Friday, Aug. 24 before facing EWU this upcoming Sunday.
Up Next:
After these two contests, the Eagles continue their home stand with one more game at the EWU Soccer Field when they host Boise State on Friday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. Games are complimentary to the public.
For live tweeting during the games and more information on the soccer team, follow @EWUSoccer on Twitter.
