Sep. 8, 2017
Manning, Lowe Score in Comeback Victory Over Eagles
Lexsi Manning and Whitney Lowe tallied goals in the second half as the Central Washington University soccer team clawed back against Northwest University in a 2-1 victory.
The Wildcats are now 1-2-0 on the season, while the Eagles fall to 3-3-0.
Northwest found the scoreboard first, striking in the 23rd minute on a shot from Nadine Huff, putting the Wildcats behind midway through the first half. The Eagles offense generated six chances in the first 35 minutes to Central Washington's three.
The Wildcats were not deterred and sent a flurry of chances towards Eagles' keeper Kat Sanchez, but at the halftime whistle the Eagles held a 1-0 advantage.
Central Washington found rhythm and energy in the second half. The Wildcats sent a pair of shots goalward early in the second half before Manning found pay dirt.
In the 60th minute Emily Russell got up the field and served a ball towards the Eagles' box where Manning got a head to service and beat Sanchez for the equalizer on her first goal of 2017.
"It was a good performance to get on track," CWU Head Coach Michael Farrand said afterward. "We had excellent build up on the flanks for the tying goal. Russell had a great service that Lex finished on a header."
The Wildcats' attack was relentless in the second half. Following Manning's goal, the Wildcats put nine shots goalward and generated four corner kicks.
With time winding down Jordan Engman headed a ball towards Lowe, who was able to find space and work towards the top of the 18. The senior beat Sanchez for a 2-1 advantage with 5:02 remaining in regulation.
"Whit did a great job dribbling in after taking the headed pass from Jo and penetrating to the top of the box and was able to finish for the game winner," Farrand noted.
The Eagles generated just one more opportunity before the final whistle, but the shot was blocked by a Wildcat defender.
"It was a much better performance tonight, especially from our back line," Farrand finished.
The Wildcats finished with 22 shots, eight on frame. Emily Holt finished the night with six saves, including four in the second half. Central totaled five corner kicks, four in the second half, to Northwest's two.
Central Washington in back in action on Sunday against Stanislaus State University. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Seattle Pacific University's Interbay Field located at 3027 Seventeenth Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119.