Western Washington University Athletics

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University women's soccer team recorded its fourth shutout of the season but was unable to find the back of the net playing Central Washington University to a scoreless draw Saturday evening at Harrington Field.

 

The Vikings held a decisive 13-2 advantage in total shots and 5-1 in shots on goal in the GNAC contest played in front of a packed crowd of 488 fans. WWU moved to 3-1-3 on the season with the tie vs. CWU.

 

WWU finished the opening week of conference play at 1-0-1 after posting a 1-0 shutout Thursday vs. Northwest Nazarene. In seven games to open the 2026 season, Western's defense has allowed only three goals for a 0.43 goals against average to rank among the top 20 in NCAA Division II.

 

"Our group put in another excellent defensive performance tonight," said WWU head coach Travis Connell. "We played better and better through the match but just ran out of time to get the goal we were looking for."

 

The Vikings defense was anchored by senior center back Olivia Connell and freshman defender Blake Francis both playing the full 90 minutes. Senior midfielder Mie Cairns (73 minutes) and freshman defender Chloe Van Wey (71 minutes) also contributed to the standout defensive performance. Sophomore goalkeeper Ellie McGowan recorded her fourth shutout of the season.

 

WWU controlled possession in the second half and held a 9-0 advantage in shots. Senior midfielder Reese Walker got behind the Wildcat defense on a deflection and took an open shot just outside the 6-yard box that was saved on a dive by goalkeeper Danika Galbraith (5 saves).

 

In addition to controlling possession and holding a big advantage in shots, the Vikings also took 10 corner kicks to the Wildcats zero.

 

The Vikings (3-1-3, 1-0-1 GNAC) remains at home next week with a pair of GNAC contests hosting Montana State Billings on Thursday and rival Seattle Pacific on Saturday, with both games featuring a 7 pm kickoff at Harrington Field. The complete 2026 schedule can be viewed online via wwuvikings.com/WSOC.

 

WWU extended its unbeaten streak in GNAC congests to 31 consecutive games, going 24-0-7 during this stretch dating to the end of the 2023 season … the Vikings also extended its unbeaten streak against the Wildcats to 30 consecutive games going 25-0-5 vs. CWU since 2012.

 

Western Washington 0, Central Washington 0

Date: September 19, 2026

Field: Harrington Field     Site: Bellingham, WA

Attendance: 488

 

Goals by period                 1  2    Tot

-----------------------------------------------

Central Washington............  0  0  -  0

Western Washington............  0  0  -  0

 

Shots: WWU 13, CWU 2

Shots on Goal: WWU 5, CWU 1

Saves: WWU 1 (McGowan – 1), CWU 5 (Galbraith – 5)

Corners: WWU 10, CWU 0

Fouls: CWU 14, WWU 8

Offsides: WWU 8, CWU 1

Kits: WWU (Navy), CWU (White)

Updated Records: WWU (3-1-3, 1-0-1), CWU (0-4-3, 0-1-1)

 

Here is a look at Western's record breakdown for the 2026 season:

 

 

Here is a look at the results and updated standings following Saturday's games to conclude the opening week of conference games. The top four teams in the standings at the conclusion of the regular season advance to play in the 2026 GNAC Championships held November 5-7 at Interbay Stadium in Seattle. Updated conference standings, schedules, results and statistics can be found online at GNACsports.com.

 

 

Here is a look at the Vikings 2026 schedule and game-by-game results: