Women's Soccer: WVU Downs Sparta, 3-2
March 24, 2008 07:47 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
March 24, 2008
PRAGUE – The West Virginia University women’s soccer team used a three-goal effort from Megan Mischler to open its spring break tour with a 3-2 win over Sparta Prague Monday night in Prague, Czech Republic.
After a sluggish start on a cold evening, Sparta took an early 1-0 lead in the game’s seventh minute.
The Mountaineers responded 14 minutes later on Mischler’s first goal of the match. The forward intercepted a Sparta ball played back to the goalkeeper for a one-timer from 18 yards out.
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| Carolyn Blank exchanges gifts before kick off with a member of Sparta Prague. |
Sparta countered with a goal moments later at 21:25 on a penalty kick. The WVU defense made a foul inside the box, setting up the easy score.
“Playing a pro team the caliber of Sparta Prague, it took us a little bit of time to adjust to their style and the environment,” said Head Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “It was a great game and we were effective in our adjustments.”
West Virginia scored two second half goals to produce the win. The first came at 53:55 on a Mischler breakaway. Junior Lisa DuCote sent a brilliant through ball up the middle to Mischler who was left 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, beating her to tie the score at 2-2.
Mischler’s game-winner took place at 66:42 on a pass from junior Greer Barnes. Sophomore Carolyn Blank was tackled from behind, setting up a quick restart by Nicole Mailloux. Mailloux’s pass to Barnes opened up a through ball to a streaking Mischler who turned and struck the game-winner from 21 yards out.
“This was a great opportunity to try different combinations with our roster and get everyone involved,” said Izzo-Brown of the 19 players who saw action.
It was Mischler on the defensive end as well tonight, making a crucial team save off a Czech corner kick late in the second half. Mischler cleared a ball at the far post on a shot bent in from the corner.
Sparta Prague featured seven players on the full Czech National Team.
The Mountaineers return to action late tomorrow night against Slavia Prague.
