PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State Cougar soccer team (5-4-4) defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels, 1-0, Wednesday night at Lower Soccer Field to remain unbeaten at Lower Soccer Field this season. Senior Grayson Lynch scored the quickest goal of the season for the Cougars, netting the game-winner five minutes into the match, as WSU held on for its fifth shutout of the season.
 
The Cougars wasted no time finding the back of the net, attacking the Gaels area from the opening whistle. Fewer than five minutes into the match, Lynch made the deciding play, lofting a left-footed shot over the outstretched SMC goalkeeper and into the upper side netting at the far post.
 
The goal developed when sophomore Naomi Clark ran onto an aerial through ball at the right edge of the box. Clark played back to an on-running Megan Santa Cruz who evaded three defenders and found Lynch with a ball across the top of the box and unmarked at the far post.
 
"It was a great goal after we challenged the team to get after it early," Head Coach Todd Shulenberger said postgame. "We had to deal with their (Saint Mary's) direct play in the second half – win the ball, secure the ball, and get forward. We settled down and maintained possession and tried to play at our feet."
 
WSU nearly doubled its lead in the 12th minute when senior Jenna Studer got her head on the end of a dangerous free kick into the Gaels' box. Studer directed the shot on frame, where SMC's Kate Plachy made a point-blank save.
 
Returning from halftime, WSU fended off an aerial barrage from SMC. The Gaels played direct balls over the Cougs' backline, looking for a friendly bounce and opportunity to equalize. Washington State's defense held firm, adjusting to the tactic and finding outlet passes into the Cougar midfield or back to Nadia Cooper to maintain possession.
 
Cooper made two saves in the match, one in each half, and earned her 19th career shutout and 31st career win. The Texas senior sits third in WSU goalkeeping wins history and fourth in career shutouts. Lynch, who has played 91 matches, also moved into the Cougar record book with 157 career shot attempts, 10th in program history.
 
Washington State will conclude the weekend Saturday night, hosting the Portland Pilots at 7 p.m. for the annual Pink Game. The match will stream live on ESPN+ with Trevor Williams on the call.
 
 
Match Notes

• Grayson Lynch scored her second goal of the season and 19th career goal
• Naomi Clark earned her third assist of the season, tied for second-most on the team this year
• Megan Santa Cruz earned an assist in her second-straight game, her second assist of the season
• True freshman Jamuna Williams made her home debut at Lower Soccer Field in the 38th minute
• Lynch's goal at four minutes and one second marks the fastest WSU goal this season by nearly seven minutes
• Lynch played in her 91st career match, moving within one game of former teammate Mykiaa Minniss (92) at third in WSU history
• Lynch recorded four shots in the match, moving into WSU's top-10 in career shots history with 157 total shot attempts
• WSU improved to 4-0-2 at home
• WSU improved to 4-0-2 when scoring the opening goal