The Vikings celebrated senior night by defeating Western Oregon University 1-0 in their final match of the season on Thursday, Nov. 14., at Robert S. Harrington Field.
The rival teams went scoreless through the first 83 minutes of play before fifth-year midfielder Kaydin Wall found the back of the net with just under seven minutes left in the game.
Third-year forward Albin Jonsson took a shot outside of 20 yards out from the goal, which was deflected off WOU goalkeeper Andre Schlaefli. Wall was able to cash in his prize, as he scored from six yards out. This was Wall’s fourth goal of the season, ending his career at Western with six total goals.
“I think it just shows that anything is possible as long as you work hard to earn it,” Wall said.
Fifth-year midfielder Kaydin Wall scores off a deflection from the Western Oregon University goalkeeper on Thursday, Nov. 14., 2024, at Robert S. Harrington Field in Bellingham, Wash. Wall’s shot would go down as the winner in the 1-0 victory for WWU. // Photo by Michael Potash, courtesy of WWU Athletics
The Vikings closed out the 2024 season with their heads high, winning eight of their last nine games to finish 10-5-3 and second place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings at 8-3-1, putting them at 25 points. The Vikings reached the 10-win mark five times in the last eight seasons.
“I think it’s great to build momentum for the next season,” Western head coach Greg Brisbon said. “It was the year 2018 where we beat Simon [Fraser] and then we ended up winning the conference the next season. We’ll see if we can do that again.”
The GNAC does not have a men’s soccer tournament but will be adding one next season with a three-team format.
Western entered last week listed just outside the top 10 in Super Region 4 rankings. With only 10 teams earning a bid to the NCAA Division II Championships, the Vikings year is over.
“Ending the season with a dub is the perfect cherry on top,” Adan Fernandez, the fourth-year midfielder said. “This team is all about brotherhood. It all came together and didn’t matter what we needed.”
WWU was able to improve their home record to 7-2-1 at Harrington Field.
WOU had a streak of scoring at least one goal in 15 consecutive games. Western’s shutdown performance halted the trend of the GNAC champions.
"It was a great way to send off our seniors. Apart from all the emotions senior night brings, I was proud of how the team followed the game plan and was able to execute on both sides of the ball," Brisbon said.
Seven seniors played their last game at Western: Diego Alvarado, Andrew Rotter, Eric Bunnell, Lucas Hakamada, Kaydin Wall, Jacob Sundberg and Adan Fernadez, who together put up a combined 17 goals on the season.
Fourth-year midfielder Lucas Hakamada attempts a header during senior night on Thursday, Nov. 14., 2024, at Robert S. Harrington Field in Bellingham, Wash. The Vikings won the game 1-0. // Photo by Michael Potash, courtesy of WWU Athletics
Alex Couckuyt (they/them) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. They are a senior studying multidisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology and public relations. In their free time, they enjoy painting star wars miniatures and playing Magic the Gathering. You can reach them at alexcouckuyt.thefront@gmail.com.
