Gonzaga blanks Seattle University 2-0

Photo Gallery [+]

A cool little rain gave way early Sunday morning on the campus of Gonzaga University for the women’s side to play its second spring friendly in as many days, downing visiting Seattle University with a pair of goals in the first of the three-period contest.

The Redhawks, who fell 5-0 Friday evening against the W-League Seattle Sounders Women featuring five US National Team players, had the initial pressure in the first four minutes of the contest with Gonzaga coming back at them for the next few minutes. The game then settled into a fairly even back-and-forth flow for the rest of the way.

In the 35th minute the Zags grabbed the lead when the ball unexpectedly made its way from the right side to the left, finding a wide open Kasey Rubosky. She caught the keeper out of position, but had to fully extend to get her shot off, reducing the power behind it. The ball got past the outstretched keeper and though it appeared to be on path to score, Emma Dolcetti banged it into the back of the net to avoid any chance at late clearance.

Four minutes later a Redhawks error would lead to the second Gonzaga goal as the hosts seemed slightly more on target for their second day of action. Passing the ball across the back at midfield, Monique Escalera mishit the ball, allowing Sarah Rhodes to pick it up and advance a little. Sensing the keeper was well off her line, Rhodes let loose a 40-yard effort that sailed into the open goal.

On the day, Gonzaga’s movement in the final third seemed a bit better than the day before and the finishing was more on target, forcing a couple good denials. The lack of physical play from the day before may have contributed as it certainly allowed a much greater flow for both teams.

The second frame was largely uneventful, though both teams had some pressure and the physicality ticked up a notch, though still noticeably less than versus Eastern Washington.

The best chance of the second period came in the 38th minute when a shot from Tori Lee was blocked but fell to Dolcetti. The striker fired well from 14 yards, forcing a fantastic diving save from the keeper.

That last quality chance of the match came two minutes into the final period when another turnover at midfield by the Redhawks sent the Zags into action. Alyssa Campagna sent the ball directly into the path of GU’s Rubosky, allowing her to drive toward the box unchallenged  and unleash a shot that sailed just wide of the open right post.