CHENEY, Wash.—The Eastern Washington University soccer team heads out on their first two game road trip of Big Sky Conference play this week, when they take on Montana (Sept. 28) at 2 p.m. Pacific time and Northern Colorado (Sept. 30) at 11 a.m. PT.
The Eagles went 1-1-0 this previous week when they hosted their first Big Sky matches against Sacramento State and Portland State at the EWU Soccer Field. EWU is now 5-4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Last Time Out
EWU fell to Sacramento State 1-0 after the Hornets scored in the 89th minute of the game. Eastern's goalkeeper
Kelsee Winston recorded 90 total minutes in the net for the Eagles and had a career-high of six saves.
The Eagles outshot the Hornets 15-11 with eight shots on goal and five corner kicks, unfortunately EWU was unable to connect and lost 1-0.
EWU then bounced back Sunday, Sept. 23 when they hosted Portland State and won 3-2. EWU goalie
Hadley Bezon made her second start of the season and recorded 90 minutes in the net for the Eagles with three
saves.
Jenny Chavez scored Eastern's first goal of the match with a header off of
Allison Raniere's corner kick in the 39th minute of play. PSU then scored an own goal in the 46th minute of play giving the Eagles a 2-1 lead.
Taylor Matheny scored the Eagles third and final goal of the match by receiving the pass from Chavez and sent the ball right past the keeper. Matheny's goal was her first collegiate goal as an Eagle.
EWU was able to keep the lead despite another PSU goal in the 58th minute. After 90 minutes the Eagles reined victors over the Vikings 3-2.
Getting to Know the Eagles
Eastern leads the conference in total shots with 176 and corner kicks with 82. The Eagles are tied for fourth with Northern Arizona in goals with 11. EWU is also tied for first with Northern Arizona, Weber State and Idaho in shutouts, each with four.
Allison Raniere leads the conference in shots taken with 30 on the year. Raniere is also tied for sixth in total number of assists with two.
Jenny Chavez and
Brooke Dunbar are tied for seventh in total goals within the Big Sky with two each.
EWU's goalie
Kelsee Winston leads the conference in save percentage with .860 which is also 33rd in the nation. She has 37 saves on the year.
Knowing Your Opponent: Montana
Montana has a 1-6-2 overall record (0-1 Big Sky). The Griz are led by head coach Chris Citowicki who is in his first year as head coach.
Montana is ranked eighth in the Big Sky Conference and are last in the conference in total goals with four.
Montana is coming off their first Big Sky loss of the season. The Griz lost to Northern Colorado 2-1 in double overtime (Sept. 23).
The Griz return Hallie Widner, who scored Montana's only goal in their win against Vermont (Aug. 31). Widner is a redshirt senior who was named Second-Team All-Big Sky Conference last year. She has taken two shots on the year, one being on goal and one resulting in a goal.
Montana also returns senior Taryn Miller who was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year as well as First-Team All-Big Sky Conference last season. Miller has taken two shots on the year both of which were shots on goal.
Knowing Your Opponent: Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado has a 5-5-0 overall record and is 1-0-0 in conference following a win over Big Sky opponent Montana 2-1. The Bears are ranked sixth in the Big Sky.
The UNC Bears are led by head coach Tim Barrera who is in his 25th season as head coach.
UNC is ranked second in total shots with 149 and they lead the conference in total points with 40 as well as total number of goals with 15.
Northern Colorado returns Maddie Roberts who is tied in first within her team in total number of goals on the year with four. Roberts has recorded 11 total points, three assists and 12 shots on goal this season.
The Bears also return Mariel Gutierrez who is also tied for first with Maddie Roberts with four goals on the year. Gutierrez has recorded 10 total points with 22 shots, 11 of which were shots on goal. The Northern
Colorado midfielder was named 2017 Big Sky All-Conference First Team as well as 2017 Big Sky-All Tournament Team.
Up Next:
After their two road matches this weekend the Eagles will be back in action Sunday, Oct. 7 when they take on the Idaho Vandals in Idaho at 1 p.m. PT.
For live tweeting during the games and more information on the soccer team, follow @EWUSoccer on Twitter.
