Molly Downtain scored the game-winning goal on the same night she wrote her own unique chapter in the lore of the sports bra in women’s soccer. Not a bad evening’s work.
Downtain’s pink sports bra bled through her white jersey, revealing just how hard the defender was working during the Chico State women’s soccer team’s 2-1 win over Central Washington Saturday at University Soccer Stadium. She did not go as far as Brandi Chastain, though, who peeled off her jersey after netting the game-winning penalty kick against China in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
“I reminded Molly that they also make those in white,” joked Wildcats Head Coach Kim Sutton following the match, which gave her 149 wins career NCAA wins.
Downtain’s effort did not take place solely on defense. She also worked hard offensively on free and corner kicks. The big, strong defender was targeted numerous times in the first half, but her timing was just off each time.
Not so after intermission.
Downtain ran onto Carly Singer’s free kick at the far post and deflected it home with her chest for the difference maker four-plus minutes into the second half. Singer, who scored her first collegiate goal in Thursday's season opener – also on a restart – connected with Downtain on a two-hopper from 35 yards out.
Things did not start well for Chico State, however. Central Washington, which also goes by the nickname “Wildcats,” took a lead on Kaycie Hutchins’ goal just 37 seconds into the game. Hutchins collected a weak clear 30 yards from the goal, took two dribbles, and then buried a hard shot high into the far corner of the goal.
For a moment it looked as though it would be 2-0 before a Central Washington goal was wiped away due to an offsides penalty in the fourth minute.
Chico State righted the ship from there and controlled the rest of the match. Lisa Webster scored the equalizer in the 34th minute, set up beautifully by Michelle Grek and Denni Jo Berger. Grek ran on to a loose ball near midfield and slid a pass to Berger, who was tearing down the left flank. Berger's cross hit Webster in stride in the mouth of the goal where she one-touched it home for her seventh career goal.
Chico State, now 1-1-0, finished the match with a 16-5 advantage in shots and 7-2 edge in shots on goal. The Wildcats also took six corner kicks to Central Washington’s two. The match was the season opener for Central Washington.
Chico State will open California Collegiate Athletic Association play on the road next weekend. The Wildcats will travel to Cal State Monterey Bay Friday and San Francisco State Sunday.
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