University of Washington
Pittsburgh
Softli's Goal Sends UW Past Pittsburgh, 1-0
August 31, 2014 | Women's Soccer
Final Stats
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Hot starts aren't always mandatory for a good season, but they sure do help. Sunday, the Dawgs beat Pittsburgh, 1-0, to improve to 3-0-0. Jaclyn Softli scored the game's only goal to give Washington its best start since 2012 when they began 7-0-0.
The win gave the Dawgs a weekend sweep in Pennsylvania with a pair of 1-0 shutouts. The Dawgs also beat La Salle on Friday night in Philadelphia.
“Anytime you can come on the road and get two wins in a weekend you have to be happy,” said head coach Lesle Gallimore. “I am really proud of our team. It was a collective effort. Even the players on the bench brought great energy that really helped us.”
The Huskies took an early lead and were the more dangerous team throughout. Softli one-timed a nice cross from Kimberly Keever in the 25th minute for a goal that the Dawgs would make stand up.
It was the second goal of the year for Softli who appears poised for a big season. It was also a third-straight game that Keever came off the bench and made a difference on the scoresheet. The freshman now has two goals and an assist in first three collegiate games.
Washington outshot Pittsburgh 12-4 for the game, including a 6-4 edge for shots on target. Shannon Simon led the Dawgs with four shots, including two on target. Kate Bennett, Chelsea Archer and Amanda Perez also had shots on goal.
Bennett was singled out by Gallimore for having a great game and weekend, playing all 90 minutes in both games, despite some physical play from bigger opponents.
Defensively, the center back pairing of Stine Schoening and Allyson Brahs is gelling, helping Washington to a pair of shutouts. Megan Kufeld made four saves as she picked up another shutout in goal.
“It was our first two-game weekend of the year, so we had some tired legs. It was somewhat of typical of an ugly Sunday game, but I was proud of how our team battled. We used the bench more and overcame any adversity that came our way.”
Next up, Washington returns home to host the Husky Soccer Classic. The Dawgs face Wisconsin on Friday at 6 p.m. and Dartmouth on Sunday at 4 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on the Pac-12 Networks. As part of the tournament, Portland will also compete in the tournament and faces Dartmouth on Friday at 3 p.m. and Wisconsin on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, the tournament is part of a triple-header at Husky Soccer Field with the UW men also taking on St. Mary's at 1 p.m.
