Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
Mountaineers Execute in Spring Opener
March 11, 2018 11:31 AM | Women's Soccer
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University women's soccer team opened its 2018 spring season with a 1-0 loss to Sky Blue FC on Saturday, March 10, at Sportika Sports in Manalapan, New Jersey.
Knotted at 0-0 midway through the first half, Sky Blue FC, a member of the National Women's Soccer League, earned the decisive goal in the 29th minute, as Raquel Rodriquez put a penalty kick past sophomore goalkeeper Rylee Foster.
"We had some really great chances, and we really executed some of the things we have been working on in practice," Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. "Both team really fought hard and found chances.
"Obviously, we would have liked to win, but I think it's a great sign we're executing early. The players were really focused, and they controlled what they could. As a coach, you have to be pleased with that. Spring is all about building blocks, and I think we laid a strong foundation to grow throughout the next few weeks."
Foster ended the match with five saves, including three in the first half.
The Mountaineers forced Caroline Casey into three saves, two in the first half.
"(Forward) Sh'nia Gordon probably wishes she had two looks back," Izzo-Brown added. "We kept our shape well and were in the right places – I was happy to see that."
Two former Mountaineers saw action off the bench for Sky Blue FC, as forward Michaela Abam and defender Amandine Pierre-Louis earned minutes.
"It was so important for our team to get a feel for a match against a professional squad," Izzo-Brown said. "Seeing two former Mountaineers on the opposing sideline was a wonderful opportunity, too."
The Mountaineers return to action against Duquesne on Saturday, April 7, at 1 p.m., at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.
Knotted at 0-0 midway through the first half, Sky Blue FC, a member of the National Women's Soccer League, earned the decisive goal in the 29th minute, as Raquel Rodriquez put a penalty kick past sophomore goalkeeper Rylee Foster.
"We had some really great chances, and we really executed some of the things we have been working on in practice," Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. "Both team really fought hard and found chances.
"Obviously, we would have liked to win, but I think it's a great sign we're executing early. The players were really focused, and they controlled what they could. As a coach, you have to be pleased with that. Spring is all about building blocks, and I think we laid a strong foundation to grow throughout the next few weeks."
Foster ended the match with five saves, including three in the first half.
The Mountaineers forced Caroline Casey into three saves, two in the first half.
"(Forward) Sh'nia Gordon probably wishes she had two looks back," Izzo-Brown added. "We kept our shape well and were in the right places – I was happy to see that."
Two former Mountaineers saw action off the bench for Sky Blue FC, as forward Michaela Abam and defender Amandine Pierre-Louis earned minutes.
"It was so important for our team to get a feel for a match against a professional squad," Izzo-Brown said. "Seeing two former Mountaineers on the opposing sideline was a wonderful opportunity, too."
The Mountaineers return to action against Duquesne on Saturday, April 7, at 1 p.m., at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.
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