Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Northern Arizona
Wildcats Down 'Jacks 2-0
10/20/2007 6:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
OGDEN, Utah -- The Weber State women's soccer team posted their third-straight shutout on Saturday, defeating Northern Arizona 2-0 at Wildcat Soccer Field.
The first half of play was dominated by action primarily in the midfield, but the Wildcats began to generate scoring chances late in the period and ended the first 45 minutes with a 7-3 edge in shots attempted.
The pressure continued early in the second period, and the Wildcats broke through in the 52nd minute as Kelly Robinson netted her second goal of the season. Cassidy Williams played a service ball up the middle to the right post. NAU goalkeeper Liz Winkleblech was able to intercept the service, but in the rainy conditions, could not secure the ball. Robinson was in the right place to take advantage and give WSU a 1-0 lead.
In the 61st minute, Shaylee Hyde found Kelly Gaughan with a cross from the right wing. Gaughan played the ball to her feet and beat Winkelblech to the left post, providing the 'Cats with an insurance goal.
At about the 70th minute, the Lumberjacks had their best scoring chance of the day turned away by WSU goalkeeper Rebecca Ritchie. Tai Powers fired a ball from around 30 yards out that was headed toward the top of the goal. Ritchie made a jumping stab at the ball and got enough of it to send the ball off the crossbar and back out in front of the net. NAU's Sarah Vallen found the ball in a wide open position, but her shot to the left post was stopped and gathered in by the scrambling Wildcat keeper.
The Wildcats were able to limit the Lumberjacks' chances for the remainder of the match to earn the third consecutive shutout. Ritchie made six saves to earn the clean sheet. Ritchie and the Wildcats now have a consecutive scoreless streak of 290 minutes intact as they look toward their final home match of the regular season. The 'Cats will host Eastern Washington on Thursday, Oct. 25, before heading out on the road for the final two Big Sky matches.
