PHILADELPHIA, PA 9/21/2012 – The Drexel Dragons women’s soccer team opened their Colonial Athletic Conference schedule against the George Mason Patriots at Vidas Field. Drexel came into the game with the best non-conference record and hoped to extend their winning streak. The Dragons got a come from behind tie when Sophomore defender Melissa Chapman headed the ball into the goal off a corner kick in the 74th minute for a 1 – 1 draw. Drexel Coach Ray Goon hoped for a better outcome, but was pleased that his team stayed in the game.
“We battled back,” said Goon. “It’s tough to play for ninety minutes completely. We weren’t quite focused in the beginning, but the fact that we battled back was good.”
George Mason took an early lead when forward Liz Hodges scored off a rebound just 3:02 into the match. George Mason held a territorial advantage throughout the first half. The game changed direction in the second half. Drexel was able to keep George Mason pinned in their defensive zone and exerted sustained pressure. In the second half and in the two overtime periods the Dragons outshot the Patriots 8 – 3. Drexel had a 13 – 12 edge overall in shots. The opportunities were there, but no goals came until Chapman put the corner kick by Junior midfielder Christine Stevenson home.“It’s a funny game,” Goon said. “You can draw it up on the chalkboard, but things can happen in the game. You have to be ready for it. I liked our opportunities, the way we played, our intention.”
Chapman had 4 shots in the game, 2 on goal. Sophomore midfielder Alyssa Findlay had 3 shots. Goal Keepers Sophomore Eve Badana for Drexel and Lyndse Hokanson for George Mason had 4 saves each.
It was a physical match that had 27 fouls, 15 by Drexel. This is to be expected in CAA play, and Goon hopes that his young players learn from the experience. The Dragons are 6 – 1 – 2 on the season and start conference play 0 – 0 – 1. Drexel has a short turnaround as they host Towson on Sunday at Vidas Field.
“The word is going to get out on how we played,” said Goon. “That’s how conference matches go. Towson will be ready for us, and we have to be able to match that. We’re looking forward to it.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@Phillycollegesports.com
Twitter: @Phillycolsports
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