Aug. 28, 2004

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A cross by midfielder Lizzy Page (Jr., Sammamish/Eastlake) was turned into the goal by a Cal Poly Pomona defender in the 66th minute, giving Western Washington University a 1-0 victory in its 2004 season and home opener Saturday at Civic Stadium. It was the Vikings first season-opening victory since 1997 when they defeated Victoria BC, 2-1. They had not debuted at home since the 2001 season. "It's great to get that first win," said Western head coach Travis Connell. "It was great being at home, the girls had tons of energy." The only goal of the game came when Page's cross hit off the heel of Cal Poly Pomona's Megan McGregor and slipped by Bronco goalkeeper Vanessa Richardson. Cal Poly Pomona, which fell to 0-2-0, had a number of chances to tie in the final 10 minutes. Western all-star goalkeeper Teresa Fish (So., Snohomish/Monroe) came out to cover some dangerous long balls, and a Bronco free kick in the final seconds was cleared by Mary Frances Buri (So., Gig Harbor/Peninsula). In the first half, Cal Poly Pomona had two big scoring opportunities, a header by Lisa Araujo in the 44th minute going just wide. A minute later Sara Flowers hit the crossbar with a free kick from 40 yards out, the rebound going to Tia Rudolph, whose shot from 10 yards away was saved by Fish. Five minutes into the second half, Western's Rachelle Saletto (Fr., Bellingham/Squalicum) had a shot from the right side of the box saved by a tip off the bar. The Vikings' Lindsey Cox (Jr., Redmond) nearly made it 2-0 in the 75th minute as her shot from 12 yards away went just over the bar. "Lizzy played great and created the goal, and Erin Casey (Jr., Redmond) was great on defense," Connell said. "Hilary Crisman (Jr., Bremerton/Klahowya) played one of her best games. She held up the ball well for us, and let other people get forward." Cal Poly Pomona had the edge in both shots, 11-10, and corner kicks, 5-2. Fish finished with six saves and Richardson had four. Western hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills on Monday (11:30 a.m.) at Civic Stadium.

Cal Poly Pomona vs. Western WashingtonDate: 8/28/04       Attendance: 245Goals by Period         1   2   TotalCal Poly Pomona         0          0    0Western Washington  0   1   1SCORING SUMMARY:WWU - own goal, 65:19Shots: Cal Poly Pomona 11, Western 10Corner Kicks: Cal Poly Pomona 5, Western 2Saves: Cal Poly Pomona 4 (Richardson 4), Western 6 (Fish 6)