Scoring ability can’t be overrated

Soccer coaches can debate whether a player’s ability to score goals is natural or learned.

One thing is certain: Coaches agree no value is too high for a player skilled at depositing the ball in the back of the net.

The women’s teams at Washington State and Gonzaga are reminded almost daily just how crucial even one goal can be. Perhaps that was first learned three weeks ago when they tied 0-0 in Pullman.

The Cougars (5-2-1) are riding a three-game winning streak, and it’s no coincidence that WSU has outscored its opponents 5-1 during that stretch. Kim Bonnes scored two of those goals, but the Cougars showcased their offensive balance with respective goals from Carly Dobratz, Elysse Van Leer and Anna Miller.

Gonzaga (4-3-1) has stumbled after a solid start to its season. The Bulldogs need look no further than their offense, which failed to produce a goal in three straight losses before Sunday’s 2-1 home victory against Utah Valley State. Most agonizing is that GU held opponents to only one goal in each of those losses.

Goal deficiencies have plagued Idaho (0-9) and Eastern Washington (1-6-1), too. The Vandals have just two goals this year – both in a 7-2 loss at Cal State Northridge. Five of the Eagles’ losses were shutouts.

CC Spokane

Ranked fourth in the NWAACC poll, Spokane improved to 4-3 overall with impressive victories over Yakima Valley and Wenatchee. The Sasquatch are 4-1 and third in the NWAACC East with 12 points.

The loss was 3-1 against East-leading Walla Walla (5-0) Sept. 12. Spokane since has a 5-0 rout of Yakima and a 4-0 win over Wenatchee. CCS erupted for four goals in four minutes in the second half against Yakima, and sophomore keeper Amy Danielson has three shutouts.

The Sasquatch trail second-place Columbia Basin (4-1-1) by one point. Spokane plays host to CBC on Wednesday at 3 p.m. and can move into second with a victory.