The Western Washington University’s women’s soccer team returned to Harrington Field in style on Thursday night, Oct. 17, taking the win over Montana State University Billings by a score of 2-1.
With this victory, the Vikings have won three straight matches, remain undefeated in conference play and defend their first-place standing atop the Great Northwest Athletic Conference table.
Midfielder Ashley Nguyen started the scoring for Western 22 minutes into the first half when third-year midfielder and forward Morgan Manalili found her with a pass from the left edge of the box. The duo has played a key part in the Vikings’ offense all season.
“That first goal was a beautiful goal, and that’s really Ashley and [Manalili]. That’s how they score, and they’re a really great combination there,” said Western head coach Travis Connell.
“I got an assist for Ashley our last game too, and I feel like we’re really building that connection,” Manalili said. “I’m excited about that.”
MSUB answered a few moments later with a goal of their own, courtesy of midfielder Kendall McGraw, who has been the Yellowjackets’ leading scorer so far this season.
The Vikings broke the tie just before the half when Manalili fired and found the back of the net from just outside the box. Manalili’s goal was assisted by Jane Hmura, who was found by Myka Carr. After a scoreless second half, this strike would prove to be the game-winner for Western.
Despite constant pressure from the Yellowjacket offense, which put up 10 shots on goal compared to the Vikings’ four, the Viking defense held strong while the offense effectively capitalized on the opportunities that came their way.
“The game was difficult for us,” Connell said. “But we kept ourselves in it, took advantage of our chances and got the victory.”
The home win delighted the Viking faithful, who had been treated to a pregame rally and march to the match organized by WWU Athletics earlier that evening.
“We are trying to engage our student body and create a more excited community for our sports,” said Haley Henderson, a volunteer who was among those handing out free Viking fan flags at the Wade King Student Recreation Center an hour before kickoff.
Looking forward, the Vikings will play at Harrington Field for their next three matches and face a quick turnaround before hosting Simon Fraser University this Saturday, Oct. 19. SFU currently sits third in the GNAC standings.
After a first half of the season where the offense struggled at times, the Vikings will look to capitalize on the momentum they’ve built during the past few matches.
“We just have to keep being confident in ourselves,” Manalili said. “We know we’re a good team and we can put balls away. The game is a matter of moments, and we just have to put the ball away when we have those chances.”
Connell, too, is confident in the direction his squad is headed going into the second half of the season.
“We have good kids. They work hard, and they understand how important it is to get better,” Connell said. “Each week we gotta plan to get better so we can compete for championships at the end of the season.”
Jonah Billings (he/him) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. He is a second-year Western student and is majoring in journalism with a minor in history. In addition, he is a member of Western’s varsity cross-country and track and field teams. He enjoys running, reading and spending time with friends. You can reach him at jonahbillings.thefront@gmail.com.
