Huskies Headed To Sweet Sixteen After 2-0 Win

May 2, 2021

MATTHEWS, N.C. – The #7 Washington Huskies played a complete game to earn a trip to the Sweet Sixteen, defeating Grand Canyon 2-0 Sunday afternoon. Washington allowed just one shot on goal all game long as the Huskies controlled the ball from start to finish.

Ryan Sailor and Christian Soto had the goals for Washington, with Charlie Ostrem adding his 11th assist, the second-most in the nation. Sam Fowler kept the clean sheet in goal, joining Spencer Richey as the only Huskies ever to record multiple postseason shutouts in their careers.

This is the second straight year the Huskies have advanced to at least the Sweet Sixteen and the fifth time under Jamie Clark. Washington last advanced to back-to-back Sweet Sixteens in 2013 and 2014.

The Huskies were content to play strong defense and take what was there offensively. Washington didn't allow a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, with Grand Canyon only managing two total shots in that time. In fact, Washington didn't allow a shot on goal until the 84th minute, when Fowler fell on a low shot with no traffic in the way. By then, the Huskies had taken a 2-0 lead and fired 11 shots, including six on goal.

55' | Fire away Soto!

??https://t.co/UArWtcKVdd

GCU 0
UW 2#GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/zZLJdX4azr

— Washington Men's Soccer (@UW_MSoccer) May 2, 2021

		SCORING
21' \| Gabe Threadgold drew a foul just above the box, setting up a dangerous free kick. Ostrem's service curved perfectly to Sailor, who bowed down and got his head to it for the opening goal. 55' \| Kalani Kossa-Rienzi's long throw-in was headed away but not far enough as Soto rushed in and unleashed a laser volley into the back of the net.

		NOTES
Only three Huskies have ever had more assists in a season than Ostrem's 11: Wes Hart (15, 1998), Jason Boyce (13, 1995), and Ian Keenan (12, 1981). All four of Sailor's goals this year have been headers, with three of the four off Ostrem set pieces. Soto has now scored two goals in four career postseason games. This was the fourth time Washington has allowed one or fewer shots on goal this year.

		UP NEXT
The Huskies face Missouri State next in the Sweet Sixteen, with that game set for Thursday, May 6. Make sure to follow the Huskies on social media at @UW_MSoccer.