Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Eastern Washington
'Cats Drop Big Sky Opener
10/9/2009 1:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer
OGDEN, Utah -- An early goal held up for Eastern Washington (4-6-1) on Thursday afternoon as the Weber State women's soccer team (4-7-0) suffered a 1-0 defeat at Wildcat Soccer Field.
"We played really well today," said WSU head coach Tim Crompton. "The results haven't been there lately, but I keep seeing good things from our team out on the field. We just need to keep playing hard and keep doing the things that we have been doing. Sooner or later, things will turn for us."
Weber State put up 22 shots on the day, including 10 on-goal. Despite generating several good scoring chances, the Wildcats failed to score for the fourth-straight match.
Lauren Jacobsen gathered a loose ball in the sixth minute and floated a high shot from the left corner of the box. The shot sailed over WSU goalkeeper Rebecca Ritchie and found the net to the far post, giving Eastern Washington the early lead.
Jessie Baddley, who recorded seven of Weber State's 10 shots on-goal, rifled a ball from distance in the 32nd minute. The shot struck the crossbar, rebounding down and back into play. The ball was one of three WSU shots to hit the frame on the day.
In the 39th minute, Roxy Tebbs struck a ball from just outside the box. Her shot to the upper part of the goal was deflected up and off the crossbar by Dimak.
Lindsay Ortgiesen became the third Wildcat to hit the frame as her shot off an Ari Wood corner kick went off the right post to again deny the Weber State side.
The Wildcats had their best opportunity in the 78th minute. Tebbs got a shot off another WSU corner kick. Her attempt from 14 yards out was blocked by an Eastern Washington defender. A handball was called on the play, leading to a penalty kick. Baddley took the attempt and struck a low shot to the left post. Dimak made a diving save, pushing the ball wide.
"She (Dimak) made a great play on it," said Crompton. "That was a great opportunity for us, and Jessie put a good hit on it. We had a lot of great chances today. We were a bit unlucky at times, but credit Eastern Washington. They played their game and really did what they needed to do to get the win today."
Dimak recorded 10 saves on the day to preserve the shutout for Eastern Washington.
The loss marked the fifth time in six seasons under Crompton that the Wildcats have failed to win their conference opener. In 2004, Crompton's first season, the 'Cats tied Idaho State in the opener. WSU then dropped the Big Sky opener each year from 2005 to 2007 before beating Montana in the opener last season.
"We've been in this position before," said Crompton. "You certainly would like to start off with a win, and to lose one at home makes it even tougher, especially when you've only got three home games in league play. But, we've definitely been able to bounce back before, so we feel confident we can do it again. We'll just need to pick up some results on the road."
The Wildcats will head to Missoula, Mont. to take on the University of Montana on Sunday, Oct. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
