By Brian Magloyoan | Texas Woman's Athletics Communications
 
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Texas Woman's Soccer fell to No. 7 Western Washington, 2-0 on Thursday evening at Harrington Field.
 
"WWU is a very good team," head coach Babak Abouzar said. "They're ranked in the top 10 for a reason." 
 
In the first half, the Pioneers struggled to get their offense going as they were held to only one shot by Riley Sutton that went wide right.
 
"We started off slow," Abouzar said. "That set a bad tone for the game."
 
A goal by the Vikings' Liv Larson in the 28th minute, put the home team ahead early. Larson would double the Pioneer deficit with a goal less than eight minutes into the second half.
 
But the Pioneers continued to battle as they produced more offensive attempts. Off the bench, Abigail Martinez launched a team-high two shots while Haley Ward, Hannah Schneider, Maddi Nolton and Kaylee Redieta each added a shot in the final 45 minutes. Despite the loss, goalkeeper Daniela Marin posted a season-high 12 saves against the Vikings.
 
"Credit to our team though," Abouzar added. "For coming out with a different mentality in the second half."
 
The defeat was the first against the Pioneers who started the season with three-straight victories. On Saturday, the Pioneers will wrap up their road trip with a match against Concordia (Oregon).
 
"Looking ahead to Saturday, if we improve our speed of play and defending in the box," Abouzar said. "We'll put ourselves in a great situation to be successful against a very good Concordia team."