CHENEY, WASHINGTON -- The Thunderbirds battled hard against the Eagles of Eastern Washington, but two late goals in the second half proved too much to overcome.

Head Coach Kai Edwards said

"We asked for passion and we did that very well today. We scored a good goal. The team fought hard on the second game of a weekend on the road versus a good team. Battling back late and having a lot of chances will help us grow."

HIGHLIGHTS

Game Recap

The first half was a showdown between the two goalkeepers. Each carding a shutout in the first half despite being under fire for nearly all 45 minutes. Senior Jazmyn Brass recorded four saves for the Thunderbirds in the first half, some of which were at point-blank range.

Kayleigh Acree generated the best look for SUU in the first half, putting a move on the EWU defender and rocketing a shot from outside the thirty-yard box and drilling the crossbar. EWU goalkeeper Kamryn Willoughby jumped on the ricochet, one of her five saves in the first half.

The Eagles were rewarded a free-kick in the 72nd minute, and Becca Gaido delivered a phenomenal ball into the box that the reigning Big Sky Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Chloe Pattison, elevated and headed into the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, EWU forward Delani Walker netted a beauty in the top-right corner of the net, making it 2-0 for the Eagles.

The Thunderbirds would not go away. Freshman forward Carly Radke kept the pressure on, striking one from way outside the thirty, but again Willoughby made a great save. On another forward press, senior forward Sarah Assumma beat her defender and left a ball in the middle of the box that Radke ripped into the back of the net to score her first collegiate goal and give the Thunderbirds their first goal of the season.

Statistical Recap

Senior goalkeeper Jazmyn Brass was phenomenal in net for SUU. Recording 10 saves on 20 total shots.

The Thundebirds had 15 shots, 10 of which were on target.

Whitney Gardner played 80 minutes in the match, and all three of her shots were on goal. Sarah Assumma led the team with four total shots, two of which landed on net, and also recorded her first assist of the season.

Radke played just 33 minutes but made the most of her time. Recording three shots, two on target, and netting her first collegiate goal.

Nao Yasuda, Rylan Tebbs, Dakota Hansen, and Aubrie Labno all logged over 85 minutes in the match.

Up Next

The Thunderbirds are set for their home opener next Thursday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. against Boise State University at the Thunderbird Soccer Field.

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