WVU Blanks Towson
August 22, 2008 09:52 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
August 22, 2008
BOX SCORE | PHOTO GALLERY
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The 10th-ranked West Virginia University women's soccer team blanked Towson, 3-0, Friday night in season-opening action at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. The win pushed the Mountaineers to 4-0 all-time when starting the season at home.
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| Teammates Deana Everrett and Morgan Betscher celebrate Megan Mischler's goal in the first half of WVU's 3-0 victory over Towson Friday night at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks photo |
"The first 10 minutes set the tone for us tonight," Head Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. "We were able to put a lot of pressure on them and it showed that we were ready to play."
West Virginia took a 2-0 first half lead on goals from junior midfielder Carolyn Blank and sophomore forward Megan Mischler.
At the 11:27 mark, senior Lisa DuCote served a corner kick inside the box where Blank headed in the goal from six-yards out. Mischler worked the ball into the corner where she forced a corner kick opportunity.
In the 27th minute, Mischler used her speed to blow by a Towson defender on a pass from freshman Morgan Betscher. Mischler took two dribbles and fired a shot on the ground, just inside the far post for the 2-0 lead.
"Megan scored at a critical time on a fantastic goal. Really, all three goals were fantastic," Izzo-Brown said. "She used her speed well and put a ball where few goalkeepers could stop it."
The Mountaineers continued to attack and added to their lead in the 62nd minute on a goal from freshman forward Chelsey Corroto. A Blank shot attempt was deflected back into play where Corroto one-timed the ball into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.
“Chelsey was where she was supposed to be and took a great touch,” Izzo-Brown added. “Not bad for a true freshman, huh?”
West Virginia dominated play, taking 20 shots and holding the Tigers to one. Blank and senior Deana Everrett took a game-high three shots each.
Senior Robin Rushton anchored a solid back line as WVU picked up its first shutout of the year.
"Carolyn and Robin both played well tonight and showed a lot of leadership for us," Izzo-Brown said. "Overall, each player stepped it up and stuck to the role that we laid out for them. It's nice to start the season off with a good win."
A large crowd of 947 attended tonight’s game.
The Mountaineers return to action next weekend to participate in the Notre Dame Inn at St. Mary's Classic. WVU will face 12th-ranked Santa Clara on Friday, Aug. 29, and Loyola Marymount on Sunday, Aug. 31.
