Box Score

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Freshman forward Jessica Bertucci (Bellingham/Sehome) had a goal and an assist as Western Washington University defeated Azusa Pacific University, 2-0, in a West Region women's soccer contest Saturday afternoon at Orca Field on the campus of Whatcom Community College.

It was the third straight shutout victory for the Vikings, upping their record to 3-1-0. The only loss was 1-0 at nationally No.4-ranked Chico State in the season opener. APU fell to 1-3-0.

The contest was tightly played through much of the first 70 minutes, with limited good chances for each team, but the game changed on a WWU counter attack in the 73rd minute.

Brina Sych (Jr., Vancouver/Union) won a clearance and dribbled 60 yards up field before feeding a pass forward to Bertucci, who was charging down the left side. Bertucci cut back inside at the edge of the penalty area and then blasted a shot inside the far post from 16 yards out for the opening goal.

From there, WWU took control, as a Sych shot hit the base of the goalpost less than two minutes later, and the Vikings eventually got an insurance goal with under nine minutes left. A ball by Bertucci was met almost simultaneously by WWU's Catherine Miles (Fr., Anacortes) and Azusa Pacific goalkeeper Michelle Wieland and looped into the net from 20 yards out for Miles' second goal of the year.

"It had been a very even game, you knew one goal could make the difference," said WWU coach Travis Connell. "Championship teams are made by how they react to big moments, both good and bad. We took advantage of a big moment today.

"Azusa Pacific is the best team we've played so far. I'm proud of our team, they played really well."

It was the 105th career victory for Connell (10th year), just one short of the school record held by Dominic Garguile (1981-90)

Goalkeeper Jamie Arthurs (Sr., Richland) did not have to make a save in notching her 26th career shutout. It was the eighth straight home game that WWU has not allowed a goal, and the 12th shutout in its last 14 home matches.

The goal by Bertucci was her third of the season and her second straight game winner.

WWU begins Great Northwest Athletic Conference play Wednesday (3:30 p.m.), traveling to Western Oregon.

Western Washington vs. Azusa PacificDate: 09/08/12   Attendance: 149Goals by Period     1  2     TotalAzusa Pacific       0  0 ---   0Western Washington  0  2 ---   2SCORING SUMMARY:WWU - Bertucci (Sych), 72:25WWU - Miles (Bertucci), 81:21Shots: Western Washington 18, APU 4Corner kicks: Western Washington 4, APU 5Fouls: Western Washington 10, APU 13Saves: Western Washington 0 (Arthurs 0), APU 5 (Wieland 5)