Wolverines, Lions come to Pullman
After road win last Thursday, Soccer returns home to host Michigan, Loyola Marymount
SERENA HOFDAHL | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE
Sophomore defender Mykiaa Minniss fights off Montana junior forward Alexa Coyle as junior defender Brianna Alger watches on Aug. 20 at the Lower Soccer Field. The Cougars defeated the Grizzlies 6-0.
September 12, 2019
The No. 13 WSU soccer team will face the Michigan Wolverines and Loyola Marymount Lions this weekend at the Lower Soccer Field in Pullman.
The Cougars (4-0-0) are coming off a 1-0 overtime victory against Gonzaga last Thursday with a late goal from graduate midfielder Averie Collins.
Collins earned the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week award, and she is the second Cougar to win a Pac-12 weekly award in three weeks.
“To have that emotional game in overtime come our way, on the road, was a big plus for our program,” head coach Todd Shulenberger said during the team’s press conference on Tuesday.
The Cougars have scored 17 goals across four games and have averaged a colossal 22.25 shots per game with 10.25 on goal. However, Michigan (4-2-0) allowed zero shots on goal during its last contest against Bowling Green State University.
In a Michigan postgame report, Michigan head coach Jennifer Klein said she appreciated the team’s response and mentality to get a win Sunday after losing to Notre Dame on Friday.
WSU kicks off against Michigan at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lower Soccer Field.
“It’s going to be a tight one, for sure. Big-10 opponent, defensively they’re doing a good job,” Shulenberger said during the team’s press conference Tuesday.
WSU will try to repeat its success from its last double header earlier this season, where the Cougars scored a total of 12 goals and won games against Montana and James Madison.
As the Cougars prepare for 180-plus minutes of soccer this weekend, Shulenberger said he isn’t concerned about fatigue.
“We’re fit, we’re hungry, we’re ready,” Shulenberger said.
WSU allowed three goals in the game against James Madison, who is the only team to score on the Cougars. Loyola Marymount (0-3-2) have scored six goals across five games, while allowing 11 goals.
“If [the defense] continue to grow with confidence and let the offense continue to go in the right direction, that’s a recipe for success,” Shulenberger said.
The Cougars and Lions will play at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Lower Soccer Field.
