Washington State Soccer: Cougars’ Road to the College Cup Begins In the Heart of Rip City, Home Town Portland Pilots Await
By Josh Davis
The Washington State women’s soccer team has notched their 4th NCAA Tournament bid in 5 seasons, taking their show on the road tonight to begin the 2012 version of the Road to the College Cup. Washington State has had a recent history of success and certainly with a 12-6-1 record, could call this another successful season. The biggest result they earned this season was a 0-0 tie vs the #2 Bruins of UCLA and then of course the final three games of the season resulted in wins over Oregon State, Oregon and Washington, leading to the bid.
The Cougs sport three players who made the All Pac-12 second team in Senior Brandi Vega and juniors Micaela Castain and Rachael Doyle. A review of the three players’ stats from WSUCougars.com:
"A native of Carson City, Nev., Vega earns the accolade after netting seven goals for the Cougars during the regular season and leads the team with five assists. Vega garners her third-consecutive conference honor after being named to the All-Pac-12 First Team as a junior and honorable mention during her sophomore campaign.Castain was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team having led the team in goals (11) and points (23) during the Cougars’ regular season. A Castro Valley, Calif., native, Castain has started each of Washington State’s 19 matches and ranks second in school history for game-winning goals (10).Doyle receives Second Team honors as a member of WSU’s backline, responsible for nine shutouts during the regular season and a school-record 0.22 goals against average at home. In addition, Doyle has notched three goals in 2012. The Australian was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team as a sophomore as well."
Facing the 3rd seeded, no. 21 ranked Pilots will definitely be a chore. Portland sports an 11-4-4 record and of course earned their spot by winning or tying in each of the past 6 games. Winner of this game will take on the winner of the Central Michigan vs Michigan match up. We’ll have more information if WSU wins on time and place.
Go Cougs!