In a closely contested match, Eastern Washington University’s women’s soccer team fell short in their home opener, losing 3-2 to UC Davis. This marked the fifth meeting between the Eagles and the Aggies, with Eastern now holding a 1-4 all-time record against UC Davis and a 11-23-2 record versus teams in the Big West Conference.
The game began with a hot environment on the field, and both teams utilized frequent substitutions to maintain stamina. Aggies struck first in the 28th minute, taking a 1-0 lead with a goal from a header off a cross. However, Eastern’s Chloe Pattison capitalized on a defensive miscue from UC Davis in the 39th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. This was Pattison’s second goal of the season, making her the first player to score multiple times this year after a string of individual goal scorers for the Eagles.
At halftime, the Eagles faced a tough statistic, being outshot 13-5, although the Aggies managed only three shots on target. Eastern regrouped after the break, and in the 55th minute, Kendall Moore put the Eagles ahead 2-1 with her second goal of the season, assisted by teammate Walker.
Despite this lead, UC Davis equalized in the 59th minute, continuing a back-and-forth contest. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when the Aggies scored off a corner kick, sealing the 3-2 victory.
Eastern head coach Missy Strasburg expressed disappointment with the result but praised her team’s energy and effort. She emphasized the importance of adapting a winning mindset from the start of games, rather than relying on coming from behind.
In terms of individual performances, Charity Freeman and Chloe Pattison each recorded goals, with Pattison leading the team with 10 shots this season. The Eagles concluded the match with a shot count of 24-12 against them, but managed to tie the Aggies in shots on goal at 7-7.
The Eagles will return to their home field on September 8th to face Hawaii, with kickoff set for 1 PM and the match available to stream on ESPN+.