SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team played their third match over five days after traveling to Utah to face Westminster on Monday morning. Chloe Gellhaus scored a pair of goals for the Falcons, but the Griffins equalized the match twice to force a 2-2 draw.
"Really proud of our team," head coach Arby Busey said. "What an opportunity we've had to play three great teams in five days this early in the season. It was a challenging environment against a great opponent today. Westminster was ready and well prepared for us."
It didn't take long for the Falcons to find the scoreboard. Sophie Beadle worked the ball down the middle of the field before passing to Gellhaus. Gellhaus worked way in from the right side of the 18-yard box before taking her shot. The ball rocketed past the keeper, hitting the back of the net in the top-right corner.
Later in the 18th minute, Lauren Forster began to attack down the left side. She flew toward the keeper before sending a ball all the way across the box to Gellhaus. She sent a shot toward the left side of the goal that snuck its way in to put the Falcons up 2-1. They'd carry that lead into halftime.
"We started the game with great energy, and Chloe scored a good goal," Busey said. "Unfortunately, we conceded a goal soon, but we had a fantastic response to being scored on. We worked to create another chance, and again Chloe stepped up and got another goal for us."
The Griffins answered twice today. Alexa Maple was involved in both goals, assisting Necie Gubler and Kim Henrickson in each half.
"We went through long spells today where we were in survival mode and under a ton of pressure," Busey added. "I loved how resilient we were in these moments where it was all hand on deck at times. To go on the road, get a couple of good goals, and face some adversity will only serve to help us grow. I loved how our group competed today."
Forster led the way for the Falcons with two shots. Lauren Snedeker, Gellhaus, Marissa Bankey, Jacqueline Blakeley and Emmy Moore sent a shot in each. Mercedes Cullen made three saves. Sophie Gardner and Kayla Wallace were the only substitutes used by SPU throughout the match.
The Falcons return home for a match against Colorado School of Mines on Friday at 7 p.m.
