SFU fail to score in 3-0 loss to undefeated Vikings

The Clan were unable to handle the attacking prowess of the Western Washington side who cruised past the home side collecting their 37th straight win

by Beau Chevalier

Image Credit: SFU Athletics

BURNABY, BC — Western Washington looked to get the scoring started early Thursday night, and after taking a 1-0 lead after two minutes they never looked back, cruising to a 3-0 win against head coach Annie Hamel’s team.

“We’re in a tough situation this year with the number of injuries and the roster, we only have twelve players fit right now,” explained Hamel. “When you’re playing the number one team in the nation and they are playing with a roster of thirty, it’s not gonna feel good.

“I’m really proud of them. They fought from the beginning to the end.”

The Clan were missing several key players, including Emma Pringle, through injury. Pringle has been directly involved in 12 of the team’s 21 goals this season. The absence of a clear attacking focal point really showed in the game as SFU only registered four shots on goal in the game, much lower than their average shots/game ratio this season of 11.8. Defender Emily Lobo also did not play.

SFU conceded the first goal of the game in the second minute as Western Washington’s Liv Larson scored a header after a well timed cross from teammate Emily Webster to make it 1-0.

The Vikings came close to scoring their second in the fourteenth minute as Gabriela Pelogi scored a header from inside the six yard box, but it was called offside.

After a period of excellent defending from the backline, the Clan fashioned a chance of their own in the 29th minute, as Nadia Hakeem fired a low cross to Jenna-lee Baxter whose shot was saved by the Vikings goalkeeper from six yards out.

SFU continued to defend well for the rest of the first half with centre back Kaely Biring making a number of important tackles and interceptions.

After halftime, Western Washington looked to continue their attack.

In the 56th minute Vikings forward Zoe Milburn assisted Darby Doyle, whose thunderous effort from 30 yards nestled into the top right hand corner, increasing WWU’s lead to 2-0.

Western Washington had yet another offside goal disallowed minutes later as Emily Nelson’s header found the back of the net following a cross from the right wing.

SFU struggled to deal with the Vikings attack as they netted their final goal of the night in the 64th minute when Sierra Shugarts’ header found the bottom corner to convert on the corner kick.

SATURDAY: After SFU’s third consecutive loss, the Clan play Central Washington University looking to get back on track with a much needed win.

“Hopefully they can do what they did today again, we’re playing in 48 hours, so recovery is important and hopefully their legs are feeling fresh,” said Hamel.

Pringle is expected to return.

“Emma has picked up a bad knock on Saturday’s game at Concordia, so we’re just monitoring her. The plan is to have her back for Saturday,” said Hamel.

The game is at Terry Fox Field on Saturday at 3pm.