UC Riverside
Eastern Washington
UCR Stays Perfect With 2-1 Win Over Eastern Washington
9/12/2004 4:03:00 PM | Women's Soccer
UCR made two first half goals stand up as the Highlanders registered a 2-1 win over Eastern Washington University Sunday at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The win improves UCR's record to a school-record 6-0.
UCR struck first, scoring 8:56 into the game. Sophomore defender Shayna Hufford (Alta Loma, CA/Alta Loma HS) held position in the attacking left corner and, finding space, slotted a pass back to senior midfielder Angela Reling (Costa Mesa, CA/Mater Dei HS). Reling delivered a first-time cross into the box, where freshman forward Kacie McElrath (Palm Desert, CA/Horizon HS) got a foot in to redirect the ball into the lower left corner. For McElrath, it was her third goal of the season and tied her for the team lead with 9 points.
The Highlanders continued to push forward in the first half, looking for a second goal. Junior forward Ashlee Stephens (Temecula, CA/Chaparral HS) nearly made it two, volleying off the cross-bar. Stephens got her goal, however, in the 42nd minute. The Highlanders won a free kick outside the Eagle penalty box, near the right corner. Junior midfielder Renee Scachetti (Torrance, CA/Bishop Montgomery HS) played a brilliant ball in and Stephens sent a powerful header into the back of the net.
Leading 2-0, UCR seemed to be cruising. The Eagles had other ideas, though, snatching a goal back just after halftime. Freshman forward Amber Luce scored in the 52nd minute from ten yards out with the assist going to senior forward Emily Squires.
Both teams continued to battle throughout the second half. UCR had two chances to extend its lead but shots from freshmen forwards Amber Plumlee (La Habra, CA/Sonora HS) and Brittany Coulter (Long Beach, CA/Valley Christian HS) went agonizingly wide.
Sophomore goalie Tawny Poggio (Santa Ana, CA/Mater Dei HS) played the first half, gaining the win by not allowing a goal and making one save. Senior Katie Blank (Chino Hills, CA/St. Lucy's Priory) stopped one shot in the second half. Eastern Washington's sophomore goalie Tiera Como took the loss without making any saves.
At 6-0, UCR is off to the best start in program history. The Highlanders also tied the school record for most consecutive wins. Riverside does not play again until September 21, when the Highlanders travel to the University of San Diego at 7 p.m. Eastern Washington falls to 2-4.
