BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University women's soccer team returns home to play its next three games at Harrington Field, beginning with Tuesday's match vs. Saint Martin's at 7 pm.

 

The No. 12 nationally-ranked Vikings are off to a perfect 5-0-0 start in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play and are 9-2-0 overall. Already off to a 3-0-0 start in home games this season, the Vikings will play a season-high three consecutive home games over the next week and a half.

 

Following Tuesday's match vs. Saint Martin's (2-7-2, 0-4-0), WWU welcomes border rival Simon Fraser (1-7-1, 1-4-0) on Saturday for another match under the lights at Harrington Field. The homestand concludes the following Thursday (Oct. 24) with Seattle Pacific coming to Bellingham for the annual rivalry match. 

 

In five GNAC contests, the Vikings are not only 5-0-0, but have strung together five consecutive shutouts while-outscoring opponents 24-0. Over the last three games vs. Montana State Billings (8-0), Saint Martin's (6-0) and Western Oregon (5-0), the Vikings have scored 19 goals. The current shutout streak is the longest for the Vikings since a seven-game streak in 2017.

 

The Vikings recent offensive surge has moved program into the top 25 scoring teams in the nation, currently No. 22 averaging 2.73 goals per game. WWU is also ranked 2^nd nationally with nine shutouts and 3^rd with a 0.271 goals against average. In 11 games this season, the WWU defense has allowed only three goals.

 

 

Since debuting at Harrington Field in 2014, the Vikings are 52-2-1 (.955), including a perfect 9-0-0 record last season and off to a 4-0-0 start this season. The Vikings have a current 14-match home winning streak.

 

The Vikings have recorded five consecutive shutouts, all in conference play, while out-scoring teams 24-0 during that span. Going back to the 17^th minute in the first half of the game at No. 9 Colorado School of Mines on September 25, WWU has as current string of 523:50 consecutive scoreless minutes. 

 

All nine of WWU's victories this season have come in shutout fashion, including three consecutive 1-0 shutouts to open the season. WWU ranks 2^nd nationally in NCAA Division II with 9 shutouts, trailing only 10 shutouts by Nova Southeastern.

 

The Vikings have scored 19 goals over the last three games and have out-scored GNAC opponents 24-0 while off to a 5-0-0 start in conference play. Here are some quick facts on the Vikings recent offensive surge:

 

»    Goals by the Dozen – Out-scored GNAC opponents 24-0 in 5 conference games.

»    No Holding Back – Out-shot GNAC opponents 141-19, with a 61-7 advantage in shots on goal.

»    Team Effort – 10 total players have combined for the 24 goals in GNAC play, led by 5 from Zoe Milburn and 3 each from Karli White and Jenna Killman.

»    Rankings – WWU leads the GNAC and is 22^nd in NCAA II averaging 2.73 goals per game…in six non-conference games, scored 6 goals.

»    Big Numbers – Scored 19 goals over the last three games, the most goals scored by the Vikings over a three-game stretch since scoring 17 in 2017 (WOU, SFU, SMU) and 21 in 1996 (10-0 at Albertson, 3-2 at Evergreen State, 8-0 vs. Western Baptist).

 

WWU has allowed only three goals this season and ranks 3rd in NCAA Division Ii with a 0.271 goals against average. Here is a look at the national GAA leaders for NCAA II (as of 10/14/19):

 

 

The Vikings have picked up seven of the 12 GNAC Player of the Week awards so far this season, and won the defensive honor in four of the first six weeks of the season. Senior forward Karli White (Offense) and senior defender Emily Nelson (Defense) swept the GNAC Player of the Week awards for Oct. 7-13. The seven GNAC Player of the Week awards are already tied for the most in a single season in program history, equaling the seven by the 2017 squad.

 

 

Here are some quick notes on the Vikings heading this week's action vs. Saint Martin's and Simon Fraser:

 

»    National Poll – WWU moved up to No. 12 in this week's national coaches poll, and has been ranked in each of the last 59 polls dating back to midway through the 2014 season.

»    Hat Trick +1 – Zoe Milburn tied the GNAC single-game record with 4 goals vs. MSUB on 10/5, earning her GNAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

»    Stingy Defense – WWU has allowed only three goals in its 11 matches this season (.271 GAA).

»    Thin Margin – Both of WWU's losses this season have been decided by one goal, and both are against teams ranked in the national top 25 (Cal State LA, Colorado School of Mines).

»    Everyday Annaliese – Senior defender Annaliese Laurila has started every match (79 of 79) of her career…the program record for games played is 91 by Catherine Miles and Caitlyn Jobanek.

»    GNAC Champions – WWU has won six GNAC regular-season titles over the last seven seasons.

»    National Champions – WWU won the 2016 NCAA II National Championship with a 24-0-1 record.

»    Clean Sheets – Junior goalkeeper Natalie Dierickx has 6 clean sheets to her credit this season, and has recorded a shutout in 14 of 34 starts for the Vikings (9^th in program history).

»    Liv's Assists (and Goals) – Senior Liv Larson has recorded 24 career assists, tied for 5^th-most in WWU history…Larson also recorded her third career 2-goal game vs. Texas Woman's and has 17 goals in 73 career games as a Viking (58 points).

»    Points for Karli – Senior forward Karli White has recorded 43 total points in 28 matches with the Vikings (27 starts)…has at least a goal or an assist in 16 of 28 matches (14 goals, 15 assists).

»    Eight is Enough – WWU's 8 goals in the 8-0 victory over MSUB are the second-most during the GNAC era (since 2001), trailing only 9 goals vs. Central Washington in 2005.

»    Spreading the Wealth – WWU's 30 goals have been scored by 10 different players, with nine players scoring multiple goals.

»    A Team Effort – A total of 24 players have seen action on the pitch this season for the Vikings, including six freshman (true freshman or redshirts).

»    Corner Advantage – The Vikings have held a 83-24 advantage in corner kicks this season, including 52-13 in the second half…have recorded three goals off corner kicks this season.

 

Junior forward Zoe Milburn scored four goals in the Vikings 8-0 victory over Montana State Billings on October 5 at Harrington Field. Here are some quick facts on the amazing scoring performance by Milburn:

 

»    GNAC Royalty – Tied the single-game record in GNAC history, matching the four goals scored by NNU's Rikki Myers earlier this season (9/14 vs. Cal State East Bay)….most goals by a player in a GNAC conference game.

»    WWU Rarity – First 4-goal game by a WWU player since Shonna Hall in 1995 vs. Evergreen State College.

»    Hat Trick (+1) – 32^nd instance in 40 years of WWU soccer history that a player recorded a hat trick, and only the eighth time to reach the 4+ goal territory.

»    NCAA Ledger – One of 12 players in NCAA Division II this season to score at least 4 goals in a game.

 

Including the 5-2-0 start to this season, WWU is 74-13-8 (.821) in games away from Bellingham over the last eight seasons (9-3-2 last season, 12-1-0 in 2018). The Vikings have played seven of their 11 games this season on the road, including two separate trips to Colorado and one to Los Angeles.

 

Here is a look at the all-time series between WWU and its two opponents this week:

 

»    Saint Martin's – The Vikings are 20-2 1 all-time vs. Saint Martin's, including a 10-0-1 record in Bellingham (4-0 at Harrington Field)…WWU has won the last 15 meetings dating back to 2011, out-scoring the Saints 50-7 during the winning streak…over last two seasons have out-scored SMU 20-1 in the head-to-head meetings, including a 6-0 victory last Thursday in Lacey.

»    Simon Fraser – WWU leads the all-time series 29-17-3 and are undefeated vs. the Clan over the last 21 meetings (19-0-2) dating back to the 2008 season…have allowed only one goal against SFU since Oct. 25, 2008, with an 18-game shutout streak during that stretch…defeated SFU 3-0 on Sept. 28 in Burnaby in the GNAC opener for both teams.

 

Senior forward Liv Larson has recorded four assists this season to rank tied for 2^nd in the GNAC. Larson now has 24 assists in 73 career games in her WWU career, tying for 5^th-most in program history with former All-American Emily Webster (2014-17). Larson's 24 assists are also tied for 12^th-most in GNAC history. In addition to the 24 career assists, Larson has also scored 17 goals (4 this season) and has 58 career points.

 

 

The Vikings moved up three spots from No. 15 to No. 12 in this week's edition of the United Soccer Coaches Division II Poll. WWU was previously No. 10, but dropped 7 spots after a 2-1 defeat against No. 9 Colorado School of Mines (yeah, we don't get it either), but has moved up each of the last three weeks to the current spot at No. 12. WWU entered the season at No. 11 in the nation, the same spot where the team finished in the final 2018 rankings. WWU has a current streak of being ranked in each of the last 59 national polls dating back to midway through the 2014 season, and has at least received votes or been ranked in each of the last 84 polls going back to the 2012 season. 

 

All of WWU's home games will stream live online with links available via WWUVikings.com/Live. All conference games can be followed via webcast and live stats at GNAC.tv. All WWU home games at Harrington Field will feature an HD webcast that will simulcast on GNAC.tv and WWU's YouTube channel. 

 

Fans can watch all WWU home games, most GNAC road games, and a handful of non-conference road games not only on their phone, computer or tablet, but also on a big-screen television. All games that stream on GNAC.tv are also easily viewed on Roku players, AppleTV, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV (just search for GNAC). WWU's home games also stream on YouTube for a great viewing experience with rewind capability. 

 

 

Tickets for all of WWU's home matches can be purchased online in advance by visitingWWUVikings.com/WS_Tickets. The box office at Harrington Field will also open one hour prior to kickoff for each home game. All seats are general admission at Harrington Field ($5 – WWU student/faculty/staff/senior 60+, $8 – Adult). The complete 2019 schedule and additional information on the Vikings can be viewed at WWUVikings.com/WSOC.

 

Here is an updated look at the GNAC Women's Soccer standings heading into matches this week:

 

 

WWU has won 69 of its last 79 games dating back to the start of the 2016 national championship season, going 69-7-3 (.892) during this stretch. The program has won six of the last seven GNAC regular-season titles, three of the last four GNAC Tournaments and advanced to the NCAA Championships in each of the last seven seasons. During the seven-year stretch of consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, WWU has reached the West Regional Championship match six times and advanced to the NCAA II Final Four three times (2013, 2015, 2016). Western has a current streak of 15 consecutive winning seasons the 8th-longest active streak in NCAA II.

 

Dating back to the start of the 2013 season (the seven season), WWU has compiled an impressive 126-12-9 record for a .888 winning percentage. During this 147-game span WWU has won the GNAC regular-season title five times, combining to go 73-3-5 (.932) in league play and won three postseason GNAC Championships. Among all NCAA Division II programs, the winning percentage since the start of the 2013 is the SECOND-BEST IN THE NATION, trailing only Grand Valley State (146-11-6/.914).

 

 

WWU women's soccer is in its 40th varsity season in 2019 and owns an all-time record of 474-209-60 for a .678 winning percentage. In 22 seasons playing at the NCAA Division II level, the program has recorded a 296-113-21 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II Championships nine times. Over the last eight seasons (since 2012), has combined to go 145-16-9 (.879) with a 85-5-5 (.921) record in conference play, and over the last five seasons (since 2015) has gone 90-9-4 (.893) with a pair of trips to the NCAA Championships Final Four.

 

Headlining WWU's list of returning players includes junior All-American goalkeeper Natalie Dierickx (0.53 GAA, 8 shutouts in 2018), senior forward Karli White (injured in 2018, 10 goals, 8 assists in 2017), junior midfielder Grace Eversaul (First Team All-GNAC, All-West Region), 2018 GNAC Freshman of the Year Dayana Diaz (7 goals) and three of four starting defensive players – seniors Annaliese Laurila, Emily Nelson and Lindsey Fujiwara that helped form one of the best back lines in the nation.

 

Here is a look at the 2019 GNAC Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll. WWU received all nine first-place votes for a perfect total of 81 poll points. WWU has won the GNAC regular-season title in six if the last seven seasons (2012-16, 2018) and seven times overall. 

 

 

The Vikings won their seventh GNAC regular-season title and advanced to the NCAA II Championships for the ninth time in program history in 2018. WWU finished with a 18-3-2 overall record and were 10-1-1 in conference play. A seventh consecutive trip to the NCAA II Championships led to a fourth straight trip to the NCAA II West Regional championship game for the fourth consecutive season (6th in last 7 seasons). Had season come to a close in a game decided on penalty kicks in a 0-0 tie vs. UC San Diego in the West Regional championship in Canyon, Texas. Eight players earned All-GNAC honors, five named All-West Region and three players were selected as All-Americans. Set program record with 10 selections to the GNAC All-Academic team. Earned a final national ranking of No. 11 in the United Soccer Coaches Division II Top 25, extending string of consecutive polls to be ranked in to 52 straight, and the seventh consecutive season to end the season ranked nationally (combined to go 136-14-9/.884 during this stretch). Had 13-game unbeaten streak from Sept. 19-Nov. 1, going 12-0-1 during this stretch. Listed by the NCAA as having the 2nd-toughest schedule in the nation.

 

WWU won its seventh GNAC regular-season championship, and sixth in the last seven seasons finishing with 31 points in the conference table at 10-1-1 in league play last season. Also won GNAC regular-season titles in 2008 and five consecutive seasons from 2012-16. Over the last eight season (since 2012), the Vikings are 85-5-5 (.921) in GNAC play.

 

The  Vikings have made seven consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II Championships and nine overall trips to the NCAA postseason. Overall own an all-time 17-7-1 record in NCAA Championships play, winning at least one game in 7 of 9 trips to the NCAA postseason. WWU was crowned national champions after in 2016 with a 24-0-1 record, capped by a 3-2 victory over Grand Valley State in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

 

The Vikings established a program and state of Washington collegiate record with their 39th consecutive victory on Oct. 26, 2017 at Northwest Nazarene. The 39-game winning streak broke the previous record of 38 consecutive wins set by the 1982-84 Vikings (10 games in 1982, 14 in 1983 and 14 games in 1984) and is the 4th-longest in NCAA II history and the 40-game unbeaten streak is tied for 4th-longest.

 

Travis Connell is in his 17th season leading the women's program as head coach and 24th overall as a coach at WWU. Owns a 247-71-28 (.754) record leading the women's program and entered the season listed as the 6th-winningest active coach amongst NCAA Division II head coaches. Overall he is 10th among all-time winningest NCAA Division II coaches, with a minimum of 10 years as a head coach at a DII school.

 

Fans can follow WWU women's soccer online at WWUVikings.com/WSoc, and via social media on Twitter (@WWU_WSoccer), Instagram (@wwu_wsoccer) and Facebook (@WWUsoccerwomens).

 

The Western Washington University women's soccer program has risen to the top of the Division II ranks, with a string of seven consecutive appearances in the NCAA Championships. WWU has advanced to the NCAA II Final Four in three of the last six seasons and played for the West Region championship in six of the last seven seasons. The Vikings won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2016 with an undefeated 24-0-1 record, beating three-time defending national champion Grand Valley State 3-2 in the title game in Kansas City, Missouri. Including the national championship run, the Vikings put together a 39-game winning streak (4th-longest in NCAA II history) and a 40-game unbeaten streak. The program has claimed six of the last seven Great Northwest Athletic Conference regular-season titles, going 85-5-5 (.921) in league play during this stretch (since 2012), and has won three of the last four GNAC Championships titles (2005, 2016, 2017). Head coach Travis Connell enters his 17^th season leading the program in 2019, and has led the Vikings to nine trips to the NCAA Championships and 15 consecutive winning seasons.