Women's Soccer | 8/28/2009 3:54:35 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. - One year ago to the day, the Western Oregon University soccer team won its 2008 season-opener against Humboldt State with a Jordann Gilmer goal in double overtime, but this year Humboldt State scored the final three goals of regulation to win the match 3-1 and ruin the Wolves' hopes of a second straight season-opening victory.

Gilmer once again was the offensive weapon for WOU (0-1) as she scored the match's first goal three minutes into the second half off an assist by Sam Slezak. The goal was Gilmer's first since the 2008 season-opener.

The Wolves would hold the 1-0 lead until the 66 minute mark when Arielle Kern headed in a cross from Megan Kobler to knot the match at one.

The teams would stay tied until the 83 minute mark when the 'Jacks took the lead on another goal by Kern. HSU would get one more goal 33 seconds later to seal its season-opening victory.

"This was a winnable match for us today," said head coach Rod Fretz. "To be in it all day and have two goals scored late against you is disheartening but there were still areas of encouragement.

"We played very solid defense up until that last point and we were able to get shot quality shots off," continued Fretz. "We were able to maintain and battle against one of the best teams from the California Collegiate Athletic Association."

Western Oregon had five shots in the match (three on goal) to Humboldt State's 15 as Rachelle Kliewer led WOU with three shots.

The Wolves will continue their season Sept. 1, at 4:00 p.m., when it faces Linfield at home.