Box Score

CHICO, Calif. - Junior transfer Anthony Dean netted the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute to lift Western Washington University to a 1-0 season-opening victory over Chico State Thursday evening in a non-conference match at University Soccer Stadium.

Dean (Amsterdam, The Netherlands/Bellevue College) broke the scoreless tie at 82:37 connecting point-blank on a cross to the far post from senior defender Brady Ulen (Coeur d'Alene, ID/Post Falls/North Idaho College).

Senior goalkeeper Tyler Visten (Mount Vernon, WA/Skagit Valley College) recorded the shutout recording 7 saves (17 total shots).

"We held tough and created a better chance than Chico did at the end and it paid off," said head coach Greg Brisbon. "It was a total team effort with all 18 guys contributing. Tyler (Visten) and Brady (Ulen) were sensational tonight and really led the defensive attack."

The Vikings (1-0-0) return to action Saturday at Sonoma State (0-0-1) at 5 pm and will play their home opener Thursday, September 8 vs. Metro State (4 pm) at Harrington Field.

"The guys have been training hard and they believe...but now they are believing more with every time they step on the field. This was a good way to open the season against a very good program on the road," added Brisbon.