Women's Soccer | 9/13/2012 7:28:00 PM

Box Score **BOX SCORE - WWU 2, WOU 0***

MONMOUTH, Ore. – A late first half goal was too much for the Western Oregon women's soccer team to overcome as Western Washington defeated the Wolves, 2-0, in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play on Thursday. The loss dropped the Wolves to 2-3 on the season, 0-1 in league play, while the win moved the Vikings to 3-2 overall, 1-0 in league play.

“I thought we played hard throughout the contest and created some quality chances,” said WOU head coach Steve Ancheta. “Against an excellent opponent like Western Washington, we have to be able to capitalize on those good scoring chances.”

The run of play was even throughout the first 30 minutes; however, Western Washington finally cracked the WOU defense in the 33rd minute. A cross from Taylor Abrass eluded the Wolves defense and Delanee Nilles headed the ball into the goal to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead.

The score remained the same until the 55th minute as the Vikings extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Kristin Maris. Stephanie Hamilton and Catherine Miles were credited with assists on the play as the cross into the penalty area was knocked in from five yards out by the WWU forward.

Perhaps the Wolves best opportunity to score came in the 61st minute as Marina Austin took a shot that appeared to have the Vikings defense beat; however, a WWU defender managed to deflect the ball just wide of the goal.

WWU held on for the remainder of the game as Vikings goalie Jamie Arthurs recorded a clean sheet with three saves.

WOU goalkeeper Hillary Lutz made six saves for the Wolves in the loss.

For the contest, WWU held a 16-11 edge in shots and a slight 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

WOU will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11:00 a.m. when the Wolves host Simon Fraser in a conference match. Admission to the game is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and non-WOU students while WOU students are admitted for free with a valid ID card.