This year’s Apple Cup matchup saw the WSU soccer team (9-5-5, 2-4-5) take a 2-0 loss against UW (9-5-5, 4-4-3) Friday night in Seattle.
WSU’s RPI dropped to 60 following a series of multiple back-to-back draws against Utah, Oregon State and Oregon, meaning Friday’s game against UW was the team’s final chance to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. However, unable to walk away with a win in Seattle, the Cougars’ 2023 season has officially come to a close.
Though Washington just barely controlled possession throughout the game, the Cougs outshot the Huskies 15-9.
As she has throughout the entirety of the season, WSU’s Margie Detrizio put up an impressive offensive fight, claiming eight of the Cougs’ total shots, three of which were on goal.
In the 14th minute, Washington’s Tatum Thomason netted the first goal of the game, playing the ball over the top of WSU keeper Nadia Cooper and into the upper left of the goal. The goal came off an assist from Washington’s Jace Holmes, who leads the Pac-12 with seven assists on the season.
Throughout the first half, Washington’s defense began in their center midfield, who were quick to close down passing lanes to protect the back lines.
WSU’s best opportunity in the first half came from a shot by Megan Santa Cruz at the 25th-minute mark, but her ball was off-target.
The Huskies reasserted themselves quickly at the beginning of the second half, with Thomason finding another goal in the 49th minute off an assist from Anna Menti.
The Cougs’ offensive line made a push during the final 20 minutes, with 13 of their shots coming in the second half, but did not find any results.
Detrizio rounds out the season with 76 shots, tied for third overall in the conference, with her eight at Washington marking a single-game high. The senior sits fifth overall amongst Pac-12 offensive players, also boasting a total of 21 points, eight goals and five assists on the 2023 season.
The Cougs now stand 15-9-9 all-time against the Huskies.
With Friday’s loss, Washington State falls behind Washington in the Pac-12 standings to finish off the season in ninth.
The Cougs return to the soccer pitch this spring for practice and scrimmages and will be back in action fall of 2024.
