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After being ranked eighth by TopDrawerSoccer.com last week, the Washington State Women’s soccer team moved up three spots and landed their first top-5 ranking in program history on Monday. With wins over Oregon and Oregon State this past weekend, the Cougars (10-0) are currently ranked 5th and jumped Virginia, Texas, and Santa Clara in the latest poll released on Monday.
The Cougs check in at No. 7 in college soccer’s primary ranking, the United Soccer Coaches poll.
To start the weekend off, the Cougs welcomed Oregon to town on Thursday and were able to use a goal in the 69th minute to finish out with a 2-1 victory. Oregon was at the time just outside of the top 25.
ICYMI, @WSUCougarSoccer stayed perfect on the season with a 2-1 win over Oregon.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 28, 2018
Take a look back at the top moments of the game. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XTx3dqDILQ
The Cougars continued their momentum and finished off homecoming weekend with a 2-0 shutout over Oregon State on Sunday. Maegan O’Neill started things off early in the match with a put back in the 19th minute to give the Cougs the early 1-0 lead. They were kept out of the net until late in a match that featured 34 total shots by the Cougs.
HIGHLIGHT | And the senior comes through again, Maegan O'Neill with the quick strike off the rebound | 1-0 WSU#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/01fXk5r1P8
— WSU Cougar Soccer (@WSUCougarSoccer) September 30, 2018
Maddy Haro gave the Cougs more of a cushion in the 64th minute when she found the back of the net on a free kick that went right over the goal keeper for her first goal of the season.
HIGHLIGHT | @maddyharo with a beauty for her first goal of the year | 2-0 WSU#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/KiMsoItWAF
— WSU Cougar Soccer (@WSUCougarSoccer) September 30, 2018
Haro and the rest of the Cougs didn’t need much offense however as their defense played lights-out the entire match and held the Beavers to just five shots, only one of which was on goal.
Redshirt junior Rachel Thompson, who has stepped in for the injured Ella Dederick, has been a brick wall so far, allowing just two goals in her six games. This should not be a surprise to fans, as the Alaska native went on an 11-game shutout streak as a sophomore while at Highline College.
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Football:
First look: Washington State at Oregon State | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State (4-1, 1-1) heads out on the road seeking out its second Pac-12 win versus Oregon State (1-4, 0-2).
Washington State’s Mike Leach riffs on offensive balance after Cougars beat Utes rushing for zero yards | The Spokesman-Review
He isn’t sure how or where the concept originated, but Mike Leach believes there’s a skewed perception of offensive balance and it’s a subject the Washington State coach comes across plenty as one of the sport’s top advocates for passing the football.
Power 5 conference power rankings Week 5
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Washington State WR, Spokane native Rodrick Fisher could benefit from new redshirt rule | The Spokesman-Review
Rodrick Fisher has already played in four games for Washington State as a true freshman this season, but if the Cougars can stay healthy at the outside receiver position, there’s a chance the Spokane native won’t see the field again in 2018.
Mike Leach recalls time he fooled Texas with fake call sheet during 1999 Red River Shootout | The Spokesman-Review
The Washington State coach and former Oklahoma offensive coordinator rehashed the tale Monday during his weekly news conference, six days ahead of the 113th meeting between the rival Sooners and Longhorns, set to take place Saturday at 9 a.m. Pacific time at the Cotton Bowl.
Pac-12 the good, the bad and the unknown week five: Washington and Oregon prove themselves against ranked opponents - Pacific Takes
We’re one week closer to a huge showdown between the Ducks and Huskies in Eugene.
Soccer:
College Soccer National Ranking
The Nation's top 25 women's college teams ranked by our team of analysts.