Vikings can’t overcome Washington State

The Portland State women’s soccer team (0-8-1) fell to the Washington State Cougars 4-2, its second Pac-10 match-up of the week.

Even with Portland State’s best offensive production of the season, it wasn’t enough to get by the Cougars, who struck twice in the first half to take an early two nothing lead going into the locker room. The first goal came from Rachel Rodrick off of a throw-in from Liz Duncan. Katrina Stroh took full credit for the next goal, by dribbling her way open to launch a shot into the corner over the outstretched hands of PSU goalie Gretchen Pietras.

The Vikings were out shot on goal seven to four. Pietras had all three of her saves in the first half of play, although she was scored on twice. WSU goalie, Sara Leibowitz’s had no saves in the first half, as there were no shots taken on goal.

Portland State scored the first goal of the second half closing the deficit within one, 2-1. Stacie Storie was able to set up Victoria Upchurch for the first goal of her PSU career. Not long after that goal, the Cougars put their lead back up to two, with Jenna Wirtz scoring her first goal of the game off of a broken play. Katrina Stroh pushed the score to 4-1 when she scored midway through the second half, diminishing hopes of a Viking comeback. However, the Vikings did strike back quickly on a right corner shot from Stacie Story, the pass courtesy of Amy Orr.

The game marked the Vikings’ best point total of the season, as the lack of offense has been a reoccurring nightmare for the PSU team. Cougar goalie, Leibowitz managed two saves out of four shots on goal in the second half. Portland State was only able to get four shots on goal for the game, all in the second half against a stingy Cougar defense. The aggressive Cougars out fouled PSU 15-10.

Portland State will open conference play this week as it hosts Central Washington Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Tigard High Soccer Complex.