(Box Score) Goshen, IN — Chalk it up as a learning experience.
The Goshen College women’s soccer team officially opened its 2007 season Friday night, dropping a 3-0 decision to Aquinas College at the Goshen College Soccer Complex. Though the visiting Saints held only a 1-0 lead throughout the majority of the match, it was Goshen (0-1, 0-0) that failed to put much pressure on goal, generating just three shots on frame for the evening.
“Aquinas is a very quick and physical team, and we came out very flat and uninspired,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “We were unable to keep up with their direct play of attack. Their pressure did not allow us any space to build our offensive play. We struggled in transitioning from back to mid to forward. We ended up just kicking and running which is not where we want to be late in the match.”
The Saints were able to slip a score past junior goalkeeper Emmy Gibson at the game’s 17th-minute mark, and contentedly sat on that lead until the game’s 80th-minute mark. Sophomore Kaylee Pichardo and freshman Chelsea Graber each had quality looks on the Aquinas goal in the first half of play, but neither could finish.
Goshen’s defense handled a relentless Aquinas push until just 10 minutes remained, where the Saints added a pair of scores. Aquinas’ Brianna Hill notched her second goal of the game at the 80th-minute mark, while Carlee Chapman scored with just three minutes remaining in moot fashion.
Freshman Kat Luginbuhl provided Goshen’s only other shot on goal. Aquinas attempted eight shots on the Leafs’ frame on the evening. Each squad charted two corner kicks.
“Kaylee and Chelsea each had quality chances at their goal but poor finishing made for easy saves,” Mounsithiraj said. “One area that is worth noting was our corner kicks were effective. (Sophomore) Alli Gotwals was able to put the ball in the box both times, and that gave us good chances. Right now everyone is struggling to find their game as we are putting in a new system of play. We certainly have the personnel to make it work. It will just take more time.”
Unfortunately for Mounsithiraj and company, time is something that Goshen is lacking. The Leafs will again hit the field in less than 24 hours for their next match, hosting Davenport University tomorrow at 5 p.m.
|
Freshman Kat Luginbuhl