VCU Rams

September 7, 2008

UNCG COMES BACK TO BEAT VCU, 2-1
Rams fall to 0-4 on the season

RALEIGH, N.C.—Pressure by the UNC Greensboro offense broke the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s soccer team late in the Rams’ 2-1 loss on Sunday at the Residence Inn North Invitational. The Rams were out-shot, 8-3, but forced the Spartans to come back after VCU took a 1-0 lead less than 10 minutes into the match.

Each team was only able to generate one shot on goal in the first half, but both teams were successful on their close-range shot attempts. The Rams struck first with their only shot of the half. In the ninth minute, senior Megan Flanagan (Franktown, Colo.) found fellow-senior Francesca Gioeli (New York, N.Y.) with a cross to the bottom right corner. Gioeli punched it in for the Rams’ first goal of the season.

UNC Greensboro produced five first-half shots, including four by midfielder Kristin Player. The sophomore pulled the Spartans even with VCU with a goal in the 13th minute.

The Spartans took their first lead in the 64th minute. After Katelynn Donovan missed a shot, Mary Kate Towne rebounded and passed it back to Donovan, who did not miss a second time.

The Rams had two chances to knot the score in the final 15 minutes, but could not convert on either opportunity. In the 75th minute, sophomore Laurel Pastor (Springfield, Va.) cranked a shot that went high. A minute later, senior Stephanie Power (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) launched a shot, but UNCG goalkeeper Kelsey Kearney stepped in front of it to make her only save of the day.

With the loss, the Rams fall to 0-4 on the season. UNCG improves to 4-2. VCU remains on the road this week, traveling to take on Loyola on Friday in Baltimore. The Rams open up the home slate Sunday against Bucknell at 1:00 p.m. at SportsBackers Stadium.