Elyse Bennett
2
Winner Washington State WSU (4-0)
1
Nebraska NEB (3-1-1)
Winner
Washington State WSU
(4-0)
2
Final
1
Nebraska NEB
(3-1-1)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Washington State WSU 0 2 2
Nebraska NEB 1 0 1

Game Recap: Soccer | | Athletic Communications

Second Half Surge Wins It for No. 18 Washington State

Two unanswered goals turned the tides for the Cougars in Nebraska

In Case You Missed It
LINCOLN, Neb. – A sniper shot from 25 yards out by sophomore Elyse Bennett changed the course of the game for No. 18 Washington State as the Cougars (4-0-0) completed a 2-1, comeback, victory at Nebraska (3-1-1) Friday night in Lincoln to remain perfect on the season. The rocket from deep by the Cougars' sophomore striker came in the 55' of play after WSU was rocked back on its heels early by a tough Cornhusker team that controlled play in the first half of action. Despite hitting halftime down one goal due to a bad foul in the 22' that gifted Nebraska a penalty kick and the lead, the Cougars turned the game around immediately in the second half, pressing the attack and taking it to the Huskers' defense. The merciless attack would pay off first with the Bennett equalizer, her second goal of the year, and again 10 minutes later when WSU forced a turnover deep in the attacking third and turned it into gold and the game-winner. Stealing the ball deep, sophomore Brianna Alger found a wide-open Alysha Overland just inside the 18 giving the redshirt-junior the time and the space to slot home her first goal of the season. For Overland, the goal was special after missing the entire 2017 season due to injury after finishing her 2016 campaign as the Cougars' second-leading scorer. 
While the offense needed time to get running, the defense was up to the task led by its start goalkeeper Ella Dederick who kept the Cougars' in the game with a season-best six saves. Dederick and the defense stymied the Huskers' early onslaught, conceding just once in the contest from the penalty spot despite a heavy shot advantage for Nebraska in the first half.

Quote of the Match
"I am super proud of this team. Nebraska is a great opponent with a unique style. Our team had a plan and credit to our girls for following through. We will enjoy this tonight and tomorrow it's back to business as we get ready for the next one." - Head Coach Todd Shulenberger

The Moments That Made The Match Things You Need To Know
  • The Cougs improved improved to 2-0 over the Huskers winning each of the first two meetings between the power-65 foes. The Huskers, who entered the game receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll that placed them one spot outside of the top-25, were the highest ranked team the Cougars have faced in the early goings of the 2018 season.
  • Ella Dederick came up with six saves in the match, a season high for the senior and the most since producing six at #8 UCF in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2017.
  • WSU's shutout streak ended at 281:25 on the PK goal by the Huskers.
  • Alysha Overland scored for the first time since Nov. 3, 2016 against Washington after missing the entire 2017 season due to a knee injury.
  • The Cougars have eight goals scored on the year and six different goals scorers including two freshmen and two sophomores. Alysha Overland's game-winner became the fourth different Cougar to score the winner on the season.
  • The Cougs come home for the final three games of non-conference play beginning Thursday, Sept. 6 against their neighborly rival, Idaho. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lower Soccer Field.
  • Attendance: 966
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