WSU Draws Portland in Scoreless Home Opener

Box Score PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State women’s soccer team could not find the back of the net during their first home match of the season, tying the University of Portland, 0-0, at Lower Soccer Field Thursday night. Over 2,400 fans came out to watch the Cougars, who took 18 shots in the game and forced the Pilots’ goalkeeper into seven saves.
 
For the second game in a row, the Cougar offense peppered the goal with opportunities. WSU’s best look of the match came in the 75^th minute when sophomore defender Reese Tappan ran onto a loose clearance at the top of the Portland box. Tappan put in a one-time cross to the six-yard box, connecting with fifth-year senior midfielder Sydney Studer on a diving header that fell into the arms of Portland goalkeeper Bre Norris.
 
On the defensive end, WSU limited Portland’s scoring chances. Sophomore goalkeeper Nadia Cooper was called upon to make three saves in the match, picking up her first clean sheet of the season. Fifth-year senior Mykiaa Minniss put in a well-timed challenge during a Portland counter attack early in the first half, limiting the Pilots opportunities on goal.

Junior forward Margie Detrizio led all players with six shots in the contest, including three looks on frame. Detrizio’s best opportunity came in the 60^th minute when she found herself with space at the edge of the 6-yard box. The Chandler, Ariz., native redirected a cross towards the far left post, forcing UP’s Norris into a diving, parried save to her right.

 

Freshman Lily Boyden nearly notched her first-career goal five minutes later. Boyden cut through the Portland midfield with the ball before playing a give-and-go to junior Marin Whieldon who found the freshman free in the box. Boyden ripped a powerful shot right down the middle, but the placement left Portland’s Norris in the right place for the save. WSU outshot Portland 18-7 in the contest, including 7-3 in shots on goal. The Cougs took five corner kicks to the Pilots’ four.

 

The Cougars return to Lower Soccer Field on Sunday, Aug. 28 to host Eastern Washington at 1 p.m. The match will be televised live on Pac-12 Washington.

 

Things You Need to Know

• The 2,408 fans in attendance marks the fourth-largest crowd in program history. The five largest crowds in WSU history have all come under Shulenberger’s tenure, led by the 2021 season opener vs…