Women's Soccer: Boston U Hangs On For Draw
September 06, 2009 05:31 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
September 6, 2009
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Despite holding a 23-5 shot advantage, the No. 7/9 West Virginia women’s soccer team could not find the back of the net, playing to a 0-0 draw in double overtime with visiting Boston U on Sunday afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
Ten different Mountaineers attempted at least one shot, led by forward Blake Miller who registered a career high six shots.
“We played a great game today, but didn’t do enough to win,” said coach Nikki Izzo-Brown following the contest. “We did enough to build on. But we need to win.”
West Virginia finished with 23 shots, 11 shots on-goal and 11 corner kicks – all season highs.
The Mountaineers nearly took a 1-0 lead off a corner kick in the 27th minute on a header from All-America midfielder Carolyn Blank. BU’s Shauna Kelleher cleared Blank’s header off the goal line for a team save.
“There were a lot of good things that happened today but we didn’t win,” said Blank, a team captain. “Clearly we need to finish. And that includes the forwards, midfield and backs. We have to get it figured out quickly.”
Miller gave WVU its best scoring chance in the second half on a hard shot in the 59th minute. The forward fired a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that bounced off the chest of goalkeeper Annie Tooley.
The Mountaineers had perhaps their best opportunity with less than two minutes to play in the second overtime. Forward Megan Mischler appeared to have netted the game-winner when Chelsey Corroto was signaled for a hand ball on the cross, waiving off the shot attempt.
“Was it a hand ball in the box or was it not?” said Izzo-Brown. “It doesn’t matter. We have to get two or three in the back of the net. There are no excuses.”
The WVU defense was outstanding, allowing only one shot on-goal the entire match. Boston U’s first shot attempt did not even come until the 89th minute on a Jessica Luscinski attempt.
Defender Erica Henderson was brilliant, making runs up field and getting into the offensive attack. The redshirt sophomore finished with three shots on the day.
Goalkeeper Kerri Butler worked all 110 minutes in locking up WVU’s third shutout of the season. The junior was excellent off her line in preventing the Terriers from threatening.
Luscinski and Megan McGoldrick each fired two shots to pace BU.
Tooley did not start in goal for the Terriers but worked the final 65 minutes, making six saves to earn the decision.
Boston U and WVU, playing its fourth match in eight days, both push its records to 2-1-2 on the season.
The Mountaineers return to action with a trip to Charlottesville, Va., to participate in the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic. WVU will battle No. 8 Virginia on Friday, Sept. 11 and Dartmouth on Sunday, Sept. 13.
