A Pair of Second Half Strikes the Difference for No. 9 Washington State

Thursday, September 27

Pullman, WA

7:00 PM

Washington State University

9-0-0,2-0-0

Oregon

7-2-1,1-1-0

Oregon

Washington State

Photo by: Dean Hare/WSU Photo Services

A Pair of Second Half Strikes the Difference for No. 9 Washington State

September 27, 2018 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Recap: Cougar Soccer remains perfect! Sept. 27

The Cougars remained perfect with 2-1 win over Oregon Thursday night.

By: Athletic Communications

In Case You Missed It
PULLMAN, Wash. – In a classic Pac-12 matchup on the Palouse, the No. 9 Washington State soccer team (9-0-0, 2-0-0) finished strong to take down Oregon (7-2-1, 1-1-0), 2-1, underneath the Thursday night lights at Lower Soccer Field. After a defensive battle in the first half, the Cougars came alive out of the break storming on to the field and scoring just under three minutes into the second half. Connecting with a pass from Sydney Pulver, Elyse Bennett knifed through the defense to slot home her third goal of the year. The Cougars continued to push the attack but got caught off guard on a Duck counter as Oregon took advantage of a foul just outside of the penalty area to equalize off a free kick from Sofia Chambers. Despite seeing their lead vanish, the Cougars never panicked, picking up the attack once again and pressing the Oregon defense back on its heels. A Duck foul in the offensive midfield setup what would-be the game-winner for the Cougars as the senior Maegan O'Neill came up with her third goal of the year off the WSU set piece, heading home the winner from a perfect ball from Maddy Haro. On the defensive side, the Cougars, led by Grace Hancock made every tackle needed to preserve the win while 'keeper Rachel Thompson stoned the Duck attack five times. Despite the slow start, the Coug answered the bell and with an impressive second half to remain the only perfect team in the nation.

Stat of the Match
WSU has scored 11 of its 21 goals after halftime in 2018 including two more against Oregon. The 71' goal by O'Neill was the second latest game-winner for the Cougars on the year.

The Moments That Made The Match

The goal was cool, but the celebration was even cooler.

Elyse Bennett opens the scoring for @WSUCougarSoccer to take the 1-0 lead.

Watch #Pac12Soccer live on Pac-12 Now: https://t.co/MH1FiFWVGR pic.twitter.com/GIi6XF1YGN
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 28, 2018

HIGHLIGHT | The senior connection is strong, who would have thunk O'Neill from Haro AGAIN #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/GDidhuy9Xb
— WSU Cougar Soccer (@WSUCougarSoccer) September 28, 2018

30' | That's why @rmthompson06 is the reigning Pac-12 Keeper of the Week | 0-0#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/s9mvGx4tvL
— WSU Cougar Soccer (@WSUCougarSoccer) September 28, 2018

Things You Need To Know

The Cougs' remain the only unbeaten and untied team in Division I soccer after improving their record start to the season with their ninth-straight win.
WSU moved its unbeaten streak over Oregon to seven games.
Maddy Haro picked up her ninth assist on the year as she kept her nation's best assist/game average at 1.00.
Maegan O'Neill scored her third goal of the year and sixth of her career. All six have been assisted by Haro.
Elyse Bennett's goal was her third of the season. WSU has scored 21 goals on the year.
Rachel Thompson improved to 4-0-0 on the year.
The Cougs continue their homestand against the Oregon schools with a matchup against Oregon State Sunday, Sept. 30. The game is scheduled for noon on the Pac-12 Networks.
Attendance: 1254