Trinity Western was step-for-step with Washington State University for the better part of 90 minutes, but a 71st-minute goal from the Cougars was the difference as the Spartans fell 1-0 Saturday at Rogers Field in women’s soccer action.
The goal came in the 71st minute when a WSU shot deflected off a TWU defender and in.
“We played a great opponent today and to be honest, I’m pleased with how we defended and took away their strengths,” said Spartans coach Graham Roxburgh.
“I’m really happy that some of my young kids hung in with them. Unfortunately we wilted a bit when it was 0-0 and the nature of the goal was a bit disappointing. If they’re going to score, you want them to score a goal that doesn’t take a weird deflection.
“But don’t take any credit away from them. They possessed very nicely today.”The Spartans are now 2-1-2 in the spring season with one game left on the schedule. TWU concludes its spring slate Apr. 16 when it will travel to play Oregon State at 1 p.m.After a back and forth first half, the Cougars pushed for the winner with an up-tempo effort in the latter part of the match and were eventually rewarded with the game’s only goal after a fortuitous bounce.The Spartans responded with a late offensive foray, but were able to generate little more than a few half chances.“I thought we made it hard for them in the first half and limited their chances,” Roxburgh said.
“I’m just disappointed we weren’t a little better on the ball or a little more clinical with our final pass. Overall, credit to my kids for their effort and there’s lots to be learned from that game, so I’m very pleased.”
