PULLMAN, Wash. Following Friday’s 1-0 victory over the Huskies, the Washington State University soccer team hopes to hear its name called today (Nov. 5) when the NCAA announces the 64-team field for the Division I Championship.
In front of the largest November crowd in school history, the Cougars showed their prowess, defeating the University of Washington while recording the ninth shutout this season. When playing at home, WSU has allowed only two goals all season, tied for fewest in school history.
In the final scheduled match of 2012, team scoring leader Micaela Castain converted what would become the game winner in the 43rd minute by chipping the ball inside the near post. The goal was Castain’s 11th of the year and her fifth game-winning shot of the season.
The WSU defense put forth a strong showing, allowing only two shots in the first half and holding UW at bay amid a barrage of shots in the second period as the Huskies attempted to stay alive.
“This is the culmination of a lot of work,” said first-year WSU Head Coach Keidane McAlpine. “We put the work in and, on a tough day against a tough team, we got a win.”
The Cougars have a record of 8-1 at home, which ties the 1990 squad for the most home victories in school history. They appeared in last year’s NCAA soccer tournament advancing to the second round, where they lost 3-0 to eventual final-four competitor Virginia.