Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Northern Colorado
Wildcats Down Big Sky Leaders
10/18/2007 6:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
OGDEN, Utah -- The Weber State women's soccer team pulled themselves back into the thick of the Big Sky race on Thursday as they downed Northern Colorado 1-0 at Wildcat Soccer Field.
The Bears (6-7-1 overall) entered the game as the conference leaders with a 2-0 league record, but the Wildcats (5-6-2 overall; 1-1-1 Big Sky) were able to pull within two points with the victory.
The 'Cats controlled most of the action in the first half, out-shooting the Bears 12-4 for the period, but the match went into halftime in a scoreless tie. WSU had the best scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes, both coming at the feet of senior forward Natalie Blaylock.
In the 26th minute, a Wildcat cross from the right side eventually found the feet of Blaylock, who put a shot past UNC keeper Heidi Owen. The shot was turned away at the right post by a Bear defender to prevent the score. Less than three minutes later, Blaylock broke free from a pair of Bear defenders and had an open run at the goal. Her shot to the left post was saved on a diving attempt by Owen to keep the match scoreless.
In the 63rd minute, the 'Cats finally broke through as Lauren Parkhurst netted her second goal of the year. Cassidy Williams took a free kick from just inside the right sideline. Her ball found Parkhurst, who headed the ball to the left post for the game-winner. Both of Parkhurst's goals this season have been the deciding strike.
The Bears would not give up and pushed for the equalizer over the remaining 27 minutes, outshooting the 'Cats 12-5 in the second half.
UNC's best opportunity to get even came in the 82nd minute when Brittany Knott was found open in the box to the left of the Wildcat net. WSU keeper Rebecca Ritchie charged Knott and made a sliding stop on her first attempt. The ball rebounded straight back to Knott, who immediately fired another ball. Ritchie recovered in time to make another diving stop and then was able to scramble after the rebound, securing the ball before Knott could reach it for a third attempt.
Ritchie was very strong in the match, recording her second-straight shutout. The sophomore from Hilton, NY posted 10 saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The win was the 50th all-time Big Sky victory for the Wildcats.
WSU will be back on the field on Saturday as they host Northern Arizona at 11:00 a.m.
