ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – The No. 10 Western Washington University women's soccer team dropped a non-conference game 2-1 at No. 20 Sonoma State University on Saturday at Seawolf Soccer Stadium.
WWU dropped to 1-1-1 on the season conceding a goal in each half to Sonoma State (2-1-0).
"Today was a great college soccer match but unfortunately we ended up on the wrong end of the result," said WWU head coach Travis Connell. "I thought we played really well, created some chances and defended well. Estera (Levinte) scored a beautiful goal and we got some great contributions off the bench. I am excited about this team, but unfortunately we made a few mistakes and Sonoma State punished us for that. We have another big match coming up against Point Loma and that's another opportunity for us to continue to grow as a team."
The Seawolves grabbed the early lead midway through the first half when Julia Pritchard converted a penalty kick in the 26th minute. SSU was awarded the PK when WWU defender Jayden Nguyen was called for a handball inside the box.
With just over a minute remaining in the half the Vikings found the equalizer at the 42:25 mark on left-footed strike by junior forward Estera Levinte. WWU gained possession near midfield and defender Kascia Muscutt fed Levinte the ball streaking down the right side near the sideline. Levinte took a touch and dribble and unleashed a shot from 22-yards out that tucked under the crossbar for her first goal of the season.
SSU retook the lead just over six minutes into the second half on a goal by Annette Sotelo at the 51:43 mark. The Seawolves took possession near midfield after a hard tackle and Malia Falk took the ball down the middle of the field. Falk laid the ball off towards the top of the 18-yards box, where Sotelo beat charging WWU goalkeeper Claire Henninger with a low shot just inside the right post.
WWU held a 17-11 advantage in shots and 9-5 edge in shots on goal.
The Vikings (1-1-1) remain on the road completing their California trip facing No. 22 Point Loma on Tuesday with a 4 pm game in San Diego. The complete 2022 schedule can be viewed online via wwuvikings.com/22_WSOC.
#20 Sonoma State 2, #10 Western Washington 1
Date: September 3, 2022
Field: Seawolf Soccer Stadium Site: Rohnert Park, CA
Attendance: 110
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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Western Washington......... 1 0 - 1
Sonoma State............... 1 1 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 25:58 SSU Pritchard (PK)
2. 43:25 WWU Levite (Muscutt)
3. 51:43 SSU Sotelo (Falk)
Shots: WWU 17, SSU 11
Shots on Goal: WWU 9, SSU 5
Saves: WWU 3 (Henninger - 3), SSU 8 (Barnes - 8)
Corners: WWU 4, SSU 0
Fouls: SSU 11, WWU 9
Offsides: WWU 2, SSU 0
Kits: WWU (Light Blue), SSU (White)
The Vikings (1-1-1) remain on the road for another match against a ranked opponent playing No. 22 Point Loma in San Diego on Tuesday (4 pm kickoff). WWU's next home game is Sunday, September 11 hosting Colorado School of Mines in a 12:30 pm game at Harrington Field. The complete 2022 schedule can be viewed online via wwuvikings.com/22_WSOC.
