Sept. 3, 2011

Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Western Washington University women's soccer team played its second scoreless draw in less than 48 hours Saturday, tying Chico State, 0-0, in overtime in a non-conference contest at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom CC.

The Vikings, who tied nationally No.2 UC San Diego, 0-0 in overtime, in their season opener on Thursday, are 0-0-2. Chico State, which lost 2-1 at Seattle Pacific on Thursday, is 0-1-1.

"To start off the season by holding these two teams without a goal is really impressive," said Western coach Travis Connell. "We do want to end up with wins, and we need to work on some things offensively and get better there, but I think we can do that."

Chico State had a 15-10 advantage in shot attempts, but Western goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs (Jr., Richland) made four saves to earn her second shutout.

Each team had good chances to win in overtime. In the 100th minute, Chico State defender Molly Downtain received a cross that put her alone against Arthurs, but shot wide from 10 yards out. Then in the 109th minute, a long ball into the penalty area put Western's Taylor Abrass (Fr., Mercer Island) through. A sliding effort by Abrass poked the ball past Chico State goalkeeper Brianna Furner, but the ball rolled wide of the far post.

The Wildcats had the best opportunity of regulation midway through the first half, as shots by Scotie Walker and Lisa Webster forced Arthurs to make a pair of diving saves just seconds apart.

"There certainly wasn't a lack of effort today," said Connell. "I'm proud of how hard we played."

Western is on the road Wednesday (1 p.m.), traveling to Domincan University for a non-conference contest.

Western Washington vs. Chico StateDate: 09/03/11   Attendance: 160Goals by Period     1   2   OT     TotalChico State         0   0    0 ---   0Western Washington  0   0    0 ---   0SCORING SUMMARY:Shots: Western Washington 10, Chico State 15Corner kicks: Western Washington 5, Chico State 6Fouls: Western Washington 12, Chico State 12Saves: Western Washington 4 (Arthurs 4), Chico State 0 (Furner 0)