Huskies win 2-0 over Cougars in final PAC-12 match

Washington State University Cougars 0
University of Washington Huskies 2
November 3, 2023
Husky Soccer Stadium – Seattle, WA
PAC-12 Regular Season

A rivalry spanning more than a century across all sports is in jeopardy in the Cascadia region as the future of the PAC-12 plays out. The University of Washington is moving to the Big 10 after this 2023-24 season. Washington State University is sorting out its future either in a reconfigured PAC-12 or another conference like the Mountain West.

In women’s soccer, the rivalry between the two schools has over three decades of history. The two sides have played for state bragging rights; but also for berths in the NCAA Tournament, with both perennially in contention, WSU playing in a College Cup final four as recently as 2019.

Both schools have numerous players in the NWSL and leagues as far and wide as Iceland and Australia. Hope Solo once was between the posts for Washington in the series. Current Reign and Thorns players Morgan Weaver, Olivia Van der Jagt, Elyse Bennett, and Shae Holmes have played in the series in recent seasons. Former coaches have taken over as NWSL GM’s and head coaches. The Cougars have a slight advantage in overall wins in the series, and it is just that competitiveness that adds to the regional rivalry.

As far as 2023 goes, both need a win to have any chance of an at-large berth in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

A beautiful and crisp Pacific Northwest November evening at kickoff and an SRO crowd of 2,892 at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle were treated to a match that got off and running early. The visiting Cougars had the first early chance, pressuring the home Huskies into conceding the early corner. But, Washington countered as both worked mostly to use the flanks in the attacks.

The host Huskies would break through first. A 15th minute strike from Tatum Thomason to the far post corner was a just reward for effective counter play.

The goal did not really change the approach either side was taking. The middle remained fairly clogged for attacks and pushing the ball wide and deep was the ongoing source of many opportunities.

Despite both getting chances on goal, the match would enter the interval with the single goal and the Huskies in the lead.

The rain began to fall at the half. Neither side held back, continuing to press and push forward for the next goal. More success in the attack continued from the flanks, as each side seemed to press more using their right wings.

Washington would get their second early in the second half. The Huskies Thomason would get her brace, pouncing on a loose defensive clearance from short range. The second goal would alter the trajectory of the match, as WSU would be forced to play more direct with the two goal margin to make up.

The rivalry match intensity ramped up as the minutes wound down.

The Cougars would bring pressure, but the Husky defense successfully would weather it. Goals change games, and the early second half goal was decisive.

The match would end 2-0 to the host Huskies; the Thomason brace holding up. The soccer Apple Cup PAC-12 rivalry ends with the Huskies taking the final conference match over cross state rival Cougars.

Will the result be enough for either school to get a tourney berth?

What is the future of the series now that the two schools will no longer be in the same conference?

The coming days and weeks will have those answers.

photos courtesy WSU Athletics