Women’s Soccer: WVU Posts Two Shutouts
March 20, 2010 07:27 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
March 20, 2010
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| Mischler | Rodriguez |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia women’s soccer team posted a pair of shutouts in two matches on Saturday at the Jefferson Cup in Richmond, Va.
The Mountaineers battled to a 0-0 draw against regional foe Virginia in a 60-minute morning match at Sportsbacker Stadium. Later in the day, WVU’s defense posted a second shutout in a scoreless tie against William & Mary.
“We did some really good things today against some good opponents,” said coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “I saw areas where we improved since our last time out. Now we have to focus on getting a better end result.”
WVU’s best scoring chance came around the 25-minute mark on a header from forward Erica Henderson that sailed wide of the goal.
After a strong opening half by the Cavaliers, the Mountaineers played much better in the second half, stringing together their passes and controlling the tempo.
The Mountaineers received strong play from center backs Drea Barklage and Mallory Smith, limiting the UVA forwards to only a few scoring chances. Smith made a nice tackle in the box to prevent a goal and goalkeeper Kerri Butler made a nice stop on a breakaway.
Forward Megan Mischler led West Virginia offensively, creating multiple opportunities in both matches.
Both teams had a better half of play but neither could find the back of the net in a scoreless match.
Erica Henderson was outstanding during WVU’s match with William & Mary. The Rochester, N.Y., native played three positions during the 90-minute match, seeing time at forward, midfield and defender.
West Virginia was dominant in the midfield against the Tribe, creating several chances for WVU.
Attackind midfielder Bri Rodriguez got into the mix in the 28th minute after cutting a pair of William & Mary defenders. Rodriguez fired a shot from the top of the 18-yard-box towards the upper left corner only to be deflected over the crossbar by the goalkeeper.
Moments earlier, Rodriguez slotted a ball between the Tribe’s center backs to Mischler who came up empty as William & Mary’s goalkeeper came off her line and smothered the 50-50 ball.
Mischler was on the attack again in the 70th minute, taking a ball up the middle from midfielder Ashtin Larkin and sending a shot just wide of the post.
WVU appeared to have scored its first goal in the 82nd minute off the foot of Mischler. Defender Bry McCarthy sent a ball to Mischler who got behind the Tribe back line and finished goal, only to be waived off on a questionable offside call.
Butler and Sara Keane were solid in goal all day for WVU, splitting time evenly between the posts.
“I’m happy with the effort and contributions today from our team,” added Izzo-Brown who played all 19 available players in both matches. “We have worked hard this spring and will continue to get better.”
WVU returns to action against Pitt and Akron in the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center Soccer Invitational on April 10 at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
