BURNABY, B.C. – Sometimes, you have to be good to be lucky.
 
On Saturday, the Simon Fraser women's soccer team (4-6-6, 3-5-4 GNAC) was both, as a late own goal from the Central Washington Wildcats (3-9-4, 2-7-3 GNAC) proved the difference in a hard-fought 3-2 decision for the Red Leafs.
 
Locked up at 2-2 apiece with less than 20 minutes remaining in the contest, a solid corner attempt from sophomore midfielder Kate Cartier found its way into a crowded goalmouth. Forward Kiara Buono did well to make contact on the header, and the ball dropped into the path of Wildcats midfielder Paige Savage, whose clearing attempt found its way behind 'keeper Kassandra Jaggard to put SFU up by one.
 
However, luck on that final marker notwithstanding, the Red Leafs were full value for 90 minutes on Saturday. SFU dominated the shot count, totalling 31 attempts to 12 for Central Washington. They forced Joggard to make 11 stops, several of which were high-quality chances.
 
SFU came out of the gates hot, drawing first blood before the game even hit the three-minute mark. Off a Jazz Dev corner, the ball bounced around the box before finding defender Katie Richardson in space. Intercepting a clearing attempt 20 yards out, the sophomore quickly put a seeing-eye shot on goal, and it found its way into the bottom right corner to open the scoring.
 
The Wildcats equalized shortly after. Jordan Bartlow did well to track down a bouncing lead pass coming down the left flank, outmaneuvering an SFU defender and putting a cross in behind onrushing 'keeper Nicole Anderson. Darcy Emily was there to tap it into a wide-open goal.
 

The Wildcats' fast break was their weapon of choice again in the second half, as off the rush, Jaxyn Farmen put a dangerous cross into the box. Emily was on the spot to get off a quick shot from in tight, forcing Anderson to make a terrific stop. The rebound found its way onto the foot of Maggie McBroom, and the CWU defender slotted it home to put the Wildcats ahead.
 
Just minutes later, SFU drew even with a fast-break tally of their own. Taking a brilliant ball down the right flank from defender Jenieva Musico, midfielder Isabella Muzzolini delivered it perfectly into forward Giuliana Zaurrini. The junior wasted no time, directing the one-touch attempt past Joggard to set up the late-game drama.
 
With the win, the Red Leafs moved back into fourth place in the GNAC standings with 13 points, a point ahead of Western Oregon for the last spot to the league championship tournament.

SFU's home stand will continue next week, as they host the Saint Martin's Saints at SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 27. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sfu-womens-soccer-vs-saint-martins-university-tickets-359016527097

For the latest information on SFU Athletics, visit athletics.sfu.ca. You can also find us on social media at @SFU_Athletics.
 
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