MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's women's soccer team is looking to extend their seven-game unbeaten streak to eight as they head south to take on LMU in week two of conference play. In their first WCC match, the Gaels hosted Gonzaga where a dramatic 90th minute goal from
Brooklyn Smith earned them the win to push their win/shutout streak to six games. They ended the week in the city, taking on San Francisco in what ended in a 1-1 draw. The Gaels struck first in the 7th minute thanks to
Sydney Middaugh but USF would equalize early in the second half to split the points.
Their win/shutout streak would come to an end as Saint Mary's allowed a goal for the first time since August 24th in their 4-1 defeat to #2 Stanford.
Kate Plachy did post a career night in goal with 12 saves, keeping the Gaels unbeaten streak alive with seven straight games for the first time since 2021. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 4th and the match can be streamed live on ESPN+.
GAME COVERAGE AND INFORMATION
WSOC | Saint Mary's at LMU | Sullivan Field
Los Angeles, Calif. | October 4th | 4:00 PM
Live Stats |
ESPN+ |
Tickets
GAELS OUTLOOK
Unbeaten Streak Pushed to Seven Games for First Time Since 2021…
Saint Mary's went 1-0-1 in their first week of conference play with a win over Gonzaga and a 1-1 draw against San Francisco. Their win/shutout streak came to an end at six games after their 1-1 draw with the Dons but they remain unbeaten over their last seven games, their longest streak since 2021.
Over their seven-game unbeaten streak dating back to August 28th, the Gaels have outscored their opponents 14-1, recording six wins, six shutouts and garnered four WCC Player of the Week awards. A win or draw this week against LMU would push their unbeaten streak to eight games for the first time since 2001.
Outstanding Efforts Earns Two Gaels Player of the Week…
Due to her impressive efforts last week,
Kate Plachy was named the WCC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, which is a first for Gaels' program history. The sophomore goalkeeper recorded 17 saves over her two games against Gonzaga and San Francisco. She ended the week with a career high 12 saves against the Dons to help preserve the 1-1 draw.
Adding to the recognition for the Gaels women's soccer program this week was junior forward
Sydney Middaugh who was named the department's Shamrock Office Solutions Student-Athlete of the Week. Middaugh garnered the award for the second time this season, finishing her two games with a goal and an assist in 176 minutes of action. She now leads the team with four goals after scoring the opener against USF on Saturday.
Series History…
It's been all Gaels in their recent series history with the Lions as Saint Mary's has won five straight games dating back to 2020, outscoring LMU 13-2. Saint Mary's took down LMU 3-1 in a home match last season and last won in Los Angeles the season prior in 2023. LMU owns the all-time series though over Saint Mary's with a record of 15-13-4 dating back to 1993. The Lions are seeking their first home win over the Gaels since 2019.
ABOUT THE LIONS
As they head into their third match of conference play, the Lions have obtained an overall record of 5-2-1 and 2-0-0 in conference. Last week, LMU faced and defeated both San Francisco and Oregon State. Although they were outshot by the Dons 9-3, the Lions forward Kylie Dobbs was able to find the back of the net quickly after the halftime break for the game winner. In their 2-1 victory over the Beavers, LMU's Callan Harrington recorded the first goal of the match and then Dobbs netted the winner in the 67th minute to conclude a perfect 2-0 week. Harrington leads the Lions with four goals on the season and Dobbs follows closely behind her with two.
LMU's fourth year head coach Chris Chamides is coming off of being named the 2024 WCC Coach of the Year. Last season, Chamides led the Lions to great success including a program high eight road wins and defeating a ranked Pepperdine team 3-0. Prior to joining the Lions, Chamides spent 18 seasons as Cal State LA's men's soccer head coach where he capped off a stellar career with the 2021 NCAA DII National Championship before departing for LMU.
The Gaels will travel to Southern California to take on the Lions at Sullivan Field on Saturday, October 4th. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM and the match will be streamed live on ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased online at smcgaels.com/tickets.
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