Sept. 6, 2010

Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Midfielder Joana Houplin (Jr., Olympia) scored in the 15th minute, lifting Western Washington University to a 1-0 victory over Humboldt State University in a non-conference women's soccer game Monday at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom CC.

Western, which was playing its home opener, improved to 2-0-1 with the triumph. HSU fell to 0-2-0.

Houplin scored with a 25-yard blast set up with a quick exchange of passes with midfielder Megan Chapin (Seattle/Garfield). It was the first Western shot of the game, and one of just three shots attempted by either team in the opening half.

It was the second goal of the year for Houplin after having just one all of last season.

"It was a great goal by Joana," said Western coach Travis Connell. "It wasn't always a pretty performance, but we got the result we wanted. To play three games in five days and come through it without a loss is something we're happy with."

Humboldt State's best chance came early in the second half, when Talya Crosby's shot from just inside the penalty area forced Western goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs (So., Richland) to make a diving save. The Lumberjacks also had an opportunity in the final 10 seconds off a corner kick, but Arielle Kern's header was deflected wide and time expired.

Western had an 11-5 edge in shots. Arthurs made two saves. Kelly Sandberg had six saves for HSU.

Western entertains Pacific Lutheran on Saturday (12 noon) in a non-conference contest.

Western Washington vs. Humboldt StateDate: 09/06/10   Attendance: 110Goals by Period     1   2       TotalHumboldt State      0   0  ---    0Western Washington  1   0  ---    1SCORING SUMMARY:WWU - Houplin (Chapin), 14:53Shots: Western Washington 11, HSU 5Corner kicks: Western Washington 4, HSU 1Fouls: Western Washington 7, HSU 9Saves: Western Washington 2 (Arthurs 2), HSU 6 (Sandberg 6)