WSU Soccer Faces Must-Win Season Finale Against Boise State

Washington State soccer faces postseason elimination in Boise State finale

Washington State soccer enters a high-stakes regular-season finale this Thursday, Nov. 5, needing a victory against Boise State to keep its hopes for the Pac-12 Championships alive. According to wsucougars.com, the Cougars are currently locked in a three-way tie for sixth place, sitting just two points shy of the fourth and final postseason qualifying spot. The matchup, set for 7 p.m. MT at the Boas Soccer Complex, serves as a definitive crossroads for a program navigating a significant period of transition.

The mathematical path to the tournament is narrow. To leapfrog Gonzaga and Colorado State in the standings, Washington State requires a win, combined with a draw or loss from the Zags and a loss from the Rams. For the Cougars, the stakes extend beyond a single match; a loss effectively ends their 2026 campaign, while a win could secure them the fourth seed in the inaugural Pac-12 Championships tournament held in Logan, Utah.

The pressure on the WSU roster follows a difficult outing last Saturday, where a 2-1 loss to Colorado State halted recent momentum. While Reagan Brisendine managed to equalize early in the second half with her third goal of the season, the Cougars struggled to contain the Rams’ offensive surge, particularly in a first half where Colorado State outshot WSU 12-2.

The emergence of Delaney Hawkins and freshman impact

Despite the recent setback, the Cougars’ offense has been bolstered by the standout performance of true freshman Delaney Hawkins. The Scottsdale, Arizona, native has become a focal point for the program, leading the team with five goals and one assist. Her impact was felt early in the season, notably during a three-goal performance that earned her the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Week honors on Oct. 6.

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Hawkins’ ascent is part of a broader trend of freshman integration within the squad. Following the appointment of Chris Citowicki as head coach in December 2025, the program underwent a massive roster reload, welcoming 23 new faces, including 10 true freshmen and 13 transfers. This influx of talent has defined the 2026 season, as the team balances veteran leadership with a heavy reliance on new contributors.

The statistical profile of the current roster highlights a significant shift in personnel:

Category	Value/Detail
New Faces Welcomed	23
Transfers	13
True Freshmen	10

While the newcomers provide much of the offensive spark, the team’s defensive stability remains a critical variable. Senior goalkeeper Keara Fitzgerald, returning after a season-ending injury last year, has been a stabilizing force, highlighted by a career-high 11 saves in a shutout against California. She joins Ashlyn Dvorak, who recorded 26 career shutouts, in anchoring a defensive unit that must withstand a potent Boise State attack.

Boise State presents a formidable obstacle

The challenge in Boise is compounded by the form of the opposition. The Broncos enter the match following a 4-0 victory over Texas State, a win that secured their own spot in next week’s Pac-12 Championships. Boise State has maintained a disciplined defensive record this season, allowing only seven goals across their matches. Their offense has also shown late-game resilience, scoring 22 of their 39 total goals during the second half of the season.

Historically, Washington State has held the advantage in this matchup. In five all-time meetings, the Cougars have never lost to Boise State, boasting a 12-2 scoring advantage over the series. However, the two programs have not faced one another since 2016, leaving the current rosters to contend with a matchup that lacks recent familiarity.

WOMEN'S SOCCER: Colorado State vs. Boise State | October 22, 2026

The implications of Thursday’s result will dictate the landscape of the first-ever Pac-12 women’s soccer tournament. If the Cougars succeed in Boise, they will advance to the semifinals on Nov. 11 at Utah State, where the winners will compete for the conference championship on Nov. 14. For the players, many of whom are part of a new era under Citowicki, the match represents the culmination of a season defined by rapid rebuilding and high-pressure performances.

The kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT, with streaming coverage available via the Pac-12 YouTube channel.