10/22/25
(Seattle, WA) After dropping their first 2 WCC matches the Seattle U Redhawks have been on a tear going unbeaten in their last 4 matches. Portland hasn’t scored many goals on the season but they haven’t allowed many either. This is a match between Seattle U’s high powered offense and Portland’s shutdown defense. Which one comes out on top?
A Sluggish First Half
The first half felt like it was both teams feeling each other out for the full 45 and neither team finding the advantage. The Pilots worked the middle of the field while the Redhawks used the wings. Tons of throw-ins and a combined 11 corners were taken in the half.
The first goal of the match happened in the 31st minute on a penalty kick. A Redhawk defender slipped in the box
and as she went down pulled a Portland player with her. After a review on VAR the penalty was confirmed. Violet Rademacher, the Pilots leading goal scorer (4) on the season, stepped up and her shot skimmed off the inside of the post for the 1-0 halftime lead.
The Pilots doubled up the Redhawks in shots(8-4) and shots on goal (4-2). Portland also led in corner kicks taking 7 to Seattle U’s 4. The Redhawks did get 3 saves from Kassidy Kirgan.
Halftime Portland 1 Seattle U 0
Caroline Penner evened the score on a beautiful volley outside of the penalty area just 13 seconds in the 2nd half.
The second half was played similar to the first just a little faster and with a few more fouls. Both teams had their chances to score and Seattle U closed the gap in corner kicks. However it was another tackle in the box that got Portland the lead.
After an initial no call the center official got together with the AR and the penalty was awarded. Rademacher stepped up again and got the same result. Knocking in her 6th goal of the season.
The Redhawks didn’t get that benefit. There were a couple of questionable no calls on tackles in the 18 that didn’t even get a review. One saw second leading scorer U’i Kaaihue leave the match injured and not return. The other was a slide against Kailee Wilson that looked very similar to the foul that got Portland their second PK of the match.
Seattle U did get awarded a shot from the spot in the 84th minute. Kailee Wilson came crashing into the box on a corner kick and wound up on her back after a collision with a couple of Pilot defenders. After the review Wilson nailed the shot to earn the 2-2 draw.
Stats and Up Next
The Redhawks closed the gap in shots with Portland still leading 14-11 and both teams finished with 6 shots on goal. Portland led in corners 8-7 but Seattle U led in fouls 11-6. Kirgan and Portland keeper Sophia Hills finished with 4 saves each.
Seattle U (3-2-2 in WCC) travels to Gonzaga (3-2-2 in WCC) for their next match on October 25th and plays their last home match of the season against Oregon State (1-6 in WCC) on November 1st.
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