A pair of second half goals helped lift the Seattle University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over UNLV Friday evening in Las Vegas, Nev. In the final leg of their 10-game road swing, the Redhawks opened up play at the UNLV NIKE Invitational improving their overall record to 6-3 on the year.

Almost as quickly as the game got underway, UNLV (2-6-1) found the back of the net to take an immediate 1-0 advantage. Less than three minutes into the match Adrianna Guida found Denali Murnan, who sent in the go-ahead goal from 15 yards out. 

After conceding the fastest goal scored by an opponent this season, the Redhawks worked to even the game. In the 26th minute, Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) ignited SU's offensive efforts, as Seattle U would control the ball and send in a series of shots. The Redhawks saw their closest chance to even the game in the first half when Shawna Anderson's (Pasco, Wash.) shot went just over the crossbar at the 31-minute mark.

Despite their first half efforts, it was not until the 63rd minute when a Heather Thomas
(Woodinville, Wash.) shot from 35 yards out connected with the top right corner of the goal to even the game at 1-1.

Twelve minutes later the Redhawks took control of the game for the first time. UNLV committed a foul in the 18-yard box, setting up a Seattle U penalty kick. In the second consecutive game, sophomoreJulia Besagno (Maple Valley, Wash.) successfully took the penalty kick to help give the Redhawks a 2-1 advantage. Her game-winner would guide SU to their first come-from-behind victory on the season.

"We started off slow and got behind early, but the team responded well. We maintained good possession and composure, and played a great second half," said head coach Julie Woodward.

Making their first starts of the season were forward Taylor Fannin (Yakima, Wash.) and midfielderTaylor Ritzman (Holladay, Utah). The starting nod was the first of freshman Ritzman's career. It also marked the first time this season that the Redhawks had three freshmen start in a game, with Verdoia, making her ninth consecutive start, and Megan Daniels (Lake Forest, Calif.) earning her third start. 

Seattle U will conclude tournament action with San Diego State on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10:30 a.m. The Aztecs defeated Hawaii, 3-0, in their opening match of the invite.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

Men's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Boys