CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern led early in the second half, but the SDSU offense scored quick and in bunches in the 4-2 defeat. The Eagles fall to 4-3-1 for the season, as they finish their road non-conference slate.
Chloe Pattison recorded two goals for the second straight match, and now has seven goals for the season. Delani Walker recorded her third assist of the season, and has recorded at least one point and at least two shots in the last four matches.
"We have confidence in all of our women and their ability to contribute when called upon. But as we get deeper into the season, it's vital to see players be confident in themselves and their ability to make plays on either side of the ball, especially in crucial or game winning moments," head coach Missy Strasburg said. "In our sport, success sits on a razor's edge at all times…an inch here or there is what decides games. We are seeing great growth in our team's commitment to winning those inches."
Match Summary:
A slow start for the Eagles would allow the Aztecs to control possession early. The Eastern offense would have a couple of near goals, but offside and good defensive plays by the Aztecs would keep the match scoreless for the first 30 minutes.
It was not until the 31st minute when Chloe Pattison would record a goal in her fifth straight match for her sixth of the season. Elisabeth Cole would record the assist for her first of the season, and fourth of her career. The Aztecs however would not waste any time and tie the match 1-1. Both goals were scored within 31 seconds. At the half, the Eagles were outshot 11-7, but the offense picked up the aggressiveness in the last 15 minutes.
To start the second half, Pattison would score yet again, recording her seventh goal of the season in the 50th minute to take the 2-1 lead. Delani Walker would record the assist for her third of the season. The lead would be short lived, as the Aztecs would waste no time again and score a goal 21 seconds later in the 50th minute. Four minutes later, the Aztecs would take the 3-2 lead scoring another goal in the 54th minute. SDSU would record their fourth goal of the match in the 71st minute, and would win the match 4-2. In the second half, the Eagles were outshot 14-6, as the offense was unable to build off their 2-1 lead. Eastern recorded a season low five shots on goal in the match.
Pattison, Walker, and the team in the Big Sky:
The Eagles are one of three teams in the Big Sky with a winning percentage over .500 (4-3-1). After finishing their non-conference road slate, EWU is off to their best start since 2018. Eastern leads the conference in goals scored (17) and total points (45). Chloe Pattison leads the Big Sky in goals scored (7), and total points (15), with Delani Walker tied for first with three assists.
"Finding success on the road, both in quality of play and results, has been huge for us and should fully help us stay confident on the road as we get deep into Big Sky play. We know we can win away from home," Strasburg said. "This was a priority for us with our non-scheduling this year and we are extremely proud of how the team has embraced the challenges and grown their own confidence level away from Cheney."
Inside the box score:
- Forward Chloe Pattison recorded two goals and has recorded a goal in her fifth straight match. Pattison has scored seven goals this season, and 10 in her career.
- Defender Iris Mattern has started in all seven matches, and played 90 minutes for the second match this season (second on the team with 645 minutes player)
- Forward Charity Freeman was able to record a shot in her eighth straight game, and has recorded a shot on goal in six of eight matches this season.
- Delani Walker recorded her third assist of the season, and recorded at least one point in her fourth straight match
- Freshman Dakota Harris recorded a shot for the second straight match, and has recorded five shots this season
- Defender Becca Gaido played a full 90 minute match for the fifth straight match, and leads the team in minutes played (699).
- Elisabeth Cole recorded her first assist of the season and her fourth of her career. Cole played 90 minutes for the first time this season, and started in her fourth match this season.
- Kamryn Willoughby recorded a season high eight saves in the match
- The Eagles have yet to trail at half this season.
The Eagles will finish non-conference play with three more matches at home. This next week they host UNLV Thursday, September 19th at 4 pm, and then Boise State Sunday, September 22nd at 1 pm at EWU soccer field. Both home matches will be streaming on ESPN+.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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