by EWU Athletics
The Eastern Washington University women's soccer team improved its record once again with a 2-1 win against Hawai'i on Sunday (Sept. 16) at EWU Sports and Recreation Center Soccer Field in Cheney, Wash. The Eagles used a two-goal lead in the second half to secure their third win of the season.
Senior Danielle Jones put the Eagles up 1-0 at the 37 minute mark with an unassisted goal. Jones drove deep into the left corner of the box, put the ball on her right foot and curved a shot into the back of the net. This was the first collegiate career goal for the San Diego, Calif. native.
"I am really proud of Danielle," said head coach George Hageage. "She has worked really hard to get herself on the field and to get shooting opportunities, and that is her strength – putting it on her right foot and sending it far post. That is how she scores. It was good to see that happen."
Four minutes into the second half, sophomore Haley Stading took a run at UH's defense and found an open pass to Cassie Black. Black controlled the ball and netted it for a 2-0 lead. Black, a sophomore from Battle Ground, Wash., leads the team with four goals this season and a career total of 10.
"Cassie is on fire," said Hageage. "The combination of Cassie and Haley up top is working really well for us."
The Rainbow Wahine fought hard to even the score and found an opportunity in the 83rd minute. UH's Chelsea Miyake connected with teammate Christy Watanabe, who headed the ball into the goal for the 2-1 finish.
Eastern's senior goalkeeper Jamie Walker recorded three saves in 90 minutes between the pipes, and UH's Kanani Taaca tallied 10.
"Jamie played well in goal," said Hageage. "We also used a lot of our players today, so the whole team effort was just really good."
The red and white recorded 17 shots to UH's 16, but proved a bigger threat, putting 12 on goal compared to the Rainbow Wahine's four on goal attempts.
"We did well hanging tough in today's game," said Hageage. "People are really stepping up. Taylor [Berdar] started today as a freshman in a position she is not used to, and I thought she did really well. We still have some things we need to work on, though. We are still struggling in the midfield right now. We might have to switch the system a little bit heading into our next few matches."
Eastern will begin conference play at home on Friday (Sept. 21) against Big Sky opponent Weber State. The game will take place at EWU Sports and Recreation Center Soccer Field in Cheney, Wash and kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
© Danielle Jones scored the Eagles' first goal Sunday against Hawaii (Photo: EWU Athletics)
