BILLINGS, Mont. — The Central Washington University women's soccer team fell to Montana State Billings in a GNAC matchup, 2-1.

Sophia Keenan scored the Wildcats (1-5-0, 0-2-0) only goal. Liz Canton made her first start of the season and compiled seven saves.

Central's offense struggled to find rhythm in the first until the final 10 minutes of the half. Their first shot came in the 37^th minute from Keenan. Sydney Lowe put the 'Cats first shot on goal three minutes later. Her effort was turned away by Yellowjackets' (4-2-1, 1-1-0) keeper Clare Kennan. Megan Meindersee fired a shot wide in the 42^nd, before Paige Devine sent a shot over the bar, and Kennan laced a shot up and away from C. Keenan in the 45^th. The 'Jackets' keeper came away with the stop to keep MSBU's lead at 1-0.

Billings gained their advantage in the 17^th minute. Leila Clark found Liberty Palmer in front of the net, putting the home side ahead. It was just the second shot of the contest for Billings, the first from Maddie Smith was steered away by Canton.

Roughly 90 seconds after Palmer's goal, the Yellowjackets' offense was asking questions again. Clark fired a low shot which Canton met to keep the score at 1-0. Smith challenged Canton again in the 28^th minute and the 'Cats keeper came out on top again.

The shot chart favored the Yellowjackets through 45 minutes at a clip of 7-5. Central had three corners in the first half and allowed just one.

Central's momentum carried into the second half, as Makinzie Packwood laced a shot just 34 seconds into the restart. Her attempt was met with a save from C. Keenan.

Canton and company had a scare in the 46^th minute. Smith's shot rang off the crossbar and caromed to Palmer, who managed to squeak out a weak shot. The ball trickled towards the goal line and was finally swept clear by Kylee Gregory with just moments to spare.

Packwood sought the equalizer with a pair of shots in the 56^th and 58^th minutes. Both were turned away by the Yellowjacket keeper.

In the 66^th minute, Canton kept a shot from Palmer from becoming her second goal of the contest. She was challenged again in the 72^nd minute by Jackie Sharpe.

Still searching for the equalizer, Devine led the Wildcats' attack in the 77^th minute. C. Keenan was ready and waiting, however, and turned aside Devine's chance.

Billings found their brace two minutes later. Jordan Roe entered off the bench and notched her goal just 32 seconds after coming on.

Central's attack pace quickened after their deficit doubled. A Keenan-on-Keenan shot in the 81^st went in favor of the keeper but led to a CWU corner. Off the corner, Megan Meindersee had a chance to put the 'Cats on the board but her shot went just over the crossbar. Sixty-one seconds later, the Wildcats' senior captain pulled the Crimson and Black back within one. Keenan's goal was her second of the season, while Emily Darcy notched the assist. Darcy drove deep down the right wing before sending a cross through the six to Keenan, who buried it in the back of the net.

"This was the most complete game we have played this season," Assistant Coach Emmy Koflanovich said. "We responded well and were able to get a goal back, as well as put a lot of shots on goal."

A pair of late chances for the Wildcats were parried by C. Keenan in the 84^th minute, keeping the 'Jackets ahead. In the waning seconds, Billings fired a pair of shots on goal. Canton handled each to preserve the one-goal differential.

Montana State Billings' edge in shots was erased in the second stanza. The Wildcats took a dozen shots and held the 'Jackets to 10 for a 17-17 final.

"Billings did a great job not letting us into strong attack positions and made it difficult for us throughout the game," Koflanovich added. "Our goal moving forward is to keep improving each game."

Central Washington is back in action on Thursday (September 30). They travel to Bellingham for the road leg against rival Western Washington.