A pair of first half Mustang goals would prove to be the difference maker in the Seattle University women's soccer team's 2-1 loss to Cal Poly Friday afternoon in Portland, Ore. A lift in play in the second half by the Redhawks would not be enough, as SU was outlasted in their opening game at the Portland State-hosted Viking Soccer Classic.

CP would take control of the ball in the 26th minute in the Redhawk half. Sara Lancaster sent in a shot from 20 yards out that hit the crossbar, but ultimately would find the back of the net deflecting off Seattle U goalkeeper Madison Goverde(Snohomish, Wash.).

Goverde would go on to post five saves in the match.

The Mustangs worked to add to their early lead for the remainder of the half. With less than two minutes to play before halftime, Cal Poly's Cristina Farrington's corner kick found Leslie Barkmann on the far post. Barkmann was able to get her head on the aerial ball and head in the eventual game-winner.

After conceding an early lead and being outshot 7-1, the Redhawks picked up their play in the second half. SU went on to outshoot the Mustangs, 7-2, in the second half, but were unable to get onto the board until the 87:10 minute mark.

As the final minutes in regulation ticked away, freshman Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) headed in her third goal of the season. Verdoia is the only newcomer to start in all seven games this year and her three goals on the season leads the Redhawk offensive efforts.

Megan Daniels (El Toro, Calif.) and Heather Thomas (Woodinville, Wash.) both fired off a pair of shots in an effort even the game in the final minute of play, but both shots went wide of the goal.

"We had a slow start and got down a goal pretty early. It is always tough chasing in the game. Our effort and urgency was a little better in the second half, but fell short," said head coach Julie Woodward.

Making her collegiate debut was redshirt freshman Alyssa Campagna (Las Vegas, Nev.), who played 31 solid bench minutes.

In the contest, CP outshot SU 9-8, tallying a 7-3 on target advantage.

Seattle U (4-3) will look to get back on track on Sunday, Sept. 11, against tournament-host PSU. The Vikings open up weekend action with Boise State before facing the Redhawks at 2 p.m.

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