In Case You Missed It
BERKELEY, Calif. – After 90 minutes of a defensive battle all No. 14 Washington State (9-2-0, 2-1-0) needed was just over one-minute in overtime to end a hotly contested match at No. 20 Cal (9-3-0, 1-2-0), 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Edwards Stadium. The owner of the fastest goal in program history, junior
Makamae Gomera-Stevens worked her magic once again as the third-year midfielder netted her first-career golden goal just 1:11 into extra time to send the Cougs home with a split on the weekend at the Bay. For Gomera-Stevens, the perfect finish was setup by her midfield teammates as
Elaily Hernandez-Repreza launched a long throw-in into the box where she found
Averie Collins who flicked the ball into the danger area. From there, Gomera-Stevens did the rest as she chested the ball down to her left foot and sent a bending ball into the side netting for the game's only goal.
Prior to the golden strike the Cougs found themselves in a defensive struggle with the Bears as neither team was able to break through despite a handful of chances. In goal,
Ella Dederick came up with six saves throughout the game, none bigger than a kicksave on the post in the 77', to earn her fourth full shutout of the year. In addition to Dederick, the Cougars' backline and midfield were able to corral the Bears defense, forcing Cal to the flanks where they had more difficult angles from which to shoot. While the defense held tight, the Cougs offense was slow to get going as WSU was held to a season-low one shot in the first half. Despite the sluggish start the Cougs found their stride in the second half, pushing the action with seven shots including a bending shot to the far post by
Morgan Weaver that forced a diving save. Gomera-Stevens nearly notched the game-winner earlier in the day when she struck the crossbar from distance with a shot in the 62'.
The Moments That Made The Match
Things You Need To Know
- Washington State picked up its first top-20 win of the year with the 1-0 victory at No. 20 Cal. The win was WSU's first in Berkeley since 2014 and second-straight overall against Cal.
- The Cougs improved to 6-1 in one-goal contests and 2-0 in overtime games.
- Makamae Gomera-Stevens scored her third goal of the year and second in Pac-12 play. Both goals in conference play have been game-winners.
- Elaily Hernandez-Repreza picked up her fourth assist on the year, tying for second most on the team. Averie Collins' assist gave the fifth-year midfielder her second assist on the year to go with five goals as she moved into a tie for first with 12 points on the year.
- Averie Collins is the owner of the Cougs' only other golden goal, a :09 strike to start overtime at Gonzaga. Collins and Gomera-Stevens are tied for the team lead with two game-winners.
- The Cougars are back in action Thursday, Oct. 10 when they host Arizona at Lower Soccer Field. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the Pac-12 Networks.
