EWU soccer off to perfect start

The Eastern Washington University soccer team used home field to their full advantage, sweeping a pair of nonconference matches last weekend.

In their Sept. 18 opener the Eagles scored a 5-1 win over the University of Nebraska at Omaha. They followed that two days later with a 1-0 decision over the University of South Dakota.

Against Omaha, five different players scored, led by the goal and assist from Chloe Williams who opened scoring in the second minute. Saige Lyons made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.

After the Mavericks Natalie Johnson scored in the 41st minute to close it to 2-1, the Eagles finished with three straight scores from Jenny Chavez in the 63rd minute, Alexis Stephenson at 70 minutes with Brenna Blaser connecting in the 86th minute.

"It was good to score early off a set piece that we have been training in practice, it was executed very well," head coach Chad Bodnar said.

In net for the Eagles in the first half was sophomore Hadley Bezon. Bezon was supported by a strong defensive backline as UNO only put one shot on frame in the first half. Kelsee Winston made her debut in the second half and recorded two key saves. The Eagles out-shot the Mavericks 15-6.

The offensive show Friday was in contrast to when the teams met on the road in 2016 and played to a 0-0 tie.

Sunday, Lexi Klinkenberg scored Eastern's lone goal in the 46th minute off an assist by Delaney Romero.

Earlier in the game, EWU thought they had scored in the seventh minute on a goal from Devan Talley but the play was offsides.

The Eagles were solid on both sides of the ball as they took 20 shots and only allowed USD one over 90 minutes of play.

The Eagles, 2-0, hit the road for the next four games. The first two will take place in Missoula, Mont. in the Montana Cup against San Jose State and Air Force. Then EWU travels to New York to take on Hofstra and Cornell. Eastern will return home on Friday, Sept. 8 when they take on Gonzaga.