(PORTLAND, Ore.) In an early season test for both teams, #18 Westmont (1-0-1) and #5 Concordia (2-0-1) played to a 0-0 tie after regulation and two overtime periods. The high-powered Concordia offense had averaged 5.5 points per game coming into tonight’s contest while Westmont had scored two in its only previous game. However, it was the defenses for both teams that were on display tonight.
Westmont’s senior goalkeeper Lindsey Smith produced six saves to preserve the shutout. The Cavaliers launched a total of 13 shots, two of which were blocked by a Warrior before reaching Smith and five of which were off target.
“Lindsey Smith was obviously the player of the game,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. “She was absolutely phenomenal with save after save. It was the best game I have ever seen her play.
“Sophie Judd was a leader in the back and stepped well to the ball,” noted Kiely about her central defender. “She won a lot of battles for us. She and Lindsey anchored the defense.”
Kiely was clearly pleased with her team’s effort.
“It was a fun environment to be a part of, with good fans,” said Kiely, “but it is also a hard environment. It was loud because they have a lot of fans. It is a fast pitch and we are not used to playing on turf. So I was proud of the players to stay in it and fight through the overtime.
“We were facing the number five team on the road. Concordia was a very good side. They ran very well off the ball and were very athletic. But our players did a very good job of staying in the game.”
Offensively, the Warriors tallied eight shots, two of which were on goal.
“We had some good chances,” said Kiely. “Kelsey Steck had three she could have put away. I’ll be frank and say that Concordia had a couple of sitters they should have put away as well. Kelsey hit one off the crossbar and had two breakaways that she hit wide.”
“They led in shots and they led in corners,” acknowledged Kiely. “I wish we had capitalized on some of our chances, but I know they wish the same. I’m very proud of the group. It was a grinding it out, gritty battle for 110 minutes. Unfortunately, we have to go again less than 24 hours later. We will do the best we can to regroup and get ready for tomorrow.”
The Warriors will stay in Portland to take on Northwest (Wash.) tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.
