SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — Seattle U defeated San Diego 3-1 on Saturday with 917 spectators at Torero Stadium. The Redhawks, riding a three-game winning streak, controlled the match through superior finishing and defensive organization. San Diego, struggling through a three-game losing streak, managed only one goal despite competitive stretches throughout the contest.
Caroline Penner opened scoring in the 21st minute for Seattle U, assisted by U'i Kaaihue and Kyla Schuster. Penner added a second goal in the 49th minute to extend the visitors' advantage before halftime proved decisive. U'i Kaaihue sealed the victory with a left-footed strike in the 83rd minute, again assisted by Schuster, whose service proved instrumental in Seattle U's attacking success.
San Diego's Josefine Schlichting answered late in the 89th minute, receiving passes from Katelyn Bessemer and Kylie Smith to pull within two goals. The consolation marker came too late to threaten Seattle U's comfortable lead, which had been established through disciplined play and clinical finishing.
Seattle U dominated possession metrics, recording 14 shot attempts compared to San Diego's 11. The Redhawks converted three of seven shots on goal, demonstrating efficiency in the final third. Goalkeeper Kassidy Kirgan made one save, while San Diego's Ilise Medrano recorded four saves in a losing effort.
Corner kicks favored Seattle U significantly, with the visitors earning six compared to San Diego's single opportunity. This territorial advantage reflected the Redhawks' sustained pressure throughout the 90 minutes. San Diego received two yellow cards—Kylie Smith in the 53rd minute and Josefine Schlichting in the 75th minute—for unsporting conduct, while Seattle U avoided disciplinary action.
Kyla Schuster emerged as Seattle U's most influential player, providing two assists and creating space consistently from midfield. Her distribution quality and positioning enabled the Redhawks' attacking transitions. For San Diego, Josefine Schlichting's late goal demonstrated individual quality but came amid a broader pattern of defensive vulnerability.
The match showcased Seattle U's (10-3-6) superiority over a San Diego squad (4-7-7) struggling to find consistency. Seattle U's three-game winning streak reflects their recent form, while San Diego's three consecutive losses highlight ongoing challenges.