The Saint Mary’s College of California Gaels women’s soccer team fell 2-0 to the Seattle U Redhawks on October 31, 2026, in a key West Coast Conference match played in Moraga, CA. Seattle U took the lead with a goal in the final seconds of the first half and added another in the 58th minute to secure the victory.
Seattle U midfielder Sophie Hanson scored her first collegiate goal off a long free kick just before halftime, giving the Redhawks the advantage. Midfielder Leila Leano extended the lead early in the second half. Saint Mary’s goalkeeper Kate Plachy made four saves to help keep the Gaels in the contest despite the two-goal deficit.
Offensively, Saint Mary’s forward Ashlyn Vaughn led the Gaels with three shots and two shots on goal. Vaughn remains third in the conference this season with 63 shots. Eight different Gaels players recorded shots, including midfielders Elizabeth Vega and Maddie Lucas, who each had two. Despite generating double-digit shots, the Gaels could not capitalize on scoring opportunities against Seattle U’s defense and goalkeeper Kassidy Kirgan.
With the win, Seattle U earned a share of first place in the West Coast Conference and clinched a spot in the WCC tournament. Saint Mary’s sits fifth in the conference standings with 13 points. The Gaels will look to rebound on November 7, 2026, when they host Pepperdine at 1 p.m. in Moraga, a crucial match that will impact their postseason positioning.
CSB Take
Saint Mary’s Gaels delivered a strong offensive effort against the top-seeded Seattle U Redhawks but fell short of scoring, highlighting the fine margins in West Coast Conference competition. Ashlyn Vaughn’s consistent production remains a bright spot as the Gaels chase a top-four finish to qualify for the inaugural WCC tournament. The upcoming match against Pepperdine represents a pivotal opportunity for Saint Mary’s to improve its standing and keep postseason hopes alive.
Source: Original report
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