Wildcat soccer falls to Salt Lake

The Western Nevada women's soccer team could take adavantage of its chances in a 1-0 loss to Salt Lake Community College College in the Scenic West Athletic Conference opener on Saturday at Edmonds Park.

Western Nevada (4-2) had three one-on-one chances with the Salt Lake goalie, but couldn't convert.

"A game of missed opportunities. A game of youth and inexperience," said Wildcat coach Hillary Arthur about her team, which returned just three players from last year. "When you've got three one-v-one opportunities with the goalie you have to put it away."

The Wildcats dominated in the first 15 minutes with its best chance coming when Ashley Winter hit the crossbar on a shot 10 minutes into the half. But Salt Lake then put it together and scored with about 10 minutes left in the half. "We should have won the game in those 15 minutes," Arthur said.

An excellent chance for Western Nevada in the second half came when Jordan Forman forced the goalie to come out, but missed on a shot from the right side just wide left. Another excellent chance came for the Wildcats later when Alex Balmaseda had a one-on-one chance with the goalie, but was denied by the keeper.

Allie Otto had an excellent game at goalie for the Wildcats, making 12 saves. "Allie really stepped it up and made some excellent saves," Arthur said.

Arthur also said she knew the game against Salt Lake would be a tough one. "They're always a very organized team," Arthur said.

The Wildcats will next play at noon this Saturday against Shasta (Calif.) Community College in a nonconference game at Edmonds Park.