This recap is presented by MAA Corporate Partner Palisades Restaurant

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GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University women's soccer earned a shutout in the first match of the season on Thursday. However, the Mountaineers were also held scoreless as they played Eastern New Mexico University to a 0-0 draw.
 
Both Western (0-0-1, 0-0 RMAC) and ENMU (0-0-1, 0-0 LSC) struggled to find offense in the first half of play in the opening game of the season. However, Western continually worked the right side of the defense, with Jessica Kresl (Jr., Aztec, New Mexico) running down the line. Kresl recorded three of Western's five first half shots, and led the team in shots with 10.
 
Kresl's 10 shots is a new school record for the outside midfielder. Her game-leading five shots on target also set a new school record.
 
In the second half, the offenses seemed to press as both teams recorded double-digit shots. Western out-shot ENMU 13-12 in the second half.
 
Despite both teams producing more offense, no one was able to reach the back of the net in regulation.
 
Both teams had opportunities in overtime, but were unable to capitalize. The Mountaineers out-shot the Greyhounds 5-to-3 in overtime and 23-21 in the match.
 
Western's 23 shots in the match will tie for fourth best in the program's five year history.
 
Mountaineer keeper Katie Simpson-Johnson (Jr., Boulder, Colorado) played all 110 minutes, making 13 saves to preserve the shutout, which ties for a Western record.
 
Five yellow cards were dispersed during the match. ENMU were given three during regulation, while the Mountaineers were shown a card twice in overtime.
 
Western will continue the home stand on Saturday when they host Montana State University – Billings at 11 a.m. on Gateway Field.