Drexel 4 Temple 1 – Women’s Soccer – A View From Papazian’s Perch

PHILADELPHIA, September 2, 2011 – The Drexel Dragons women’s soccer team was experiencing an inability to score goals.  Drexel Coach Ray Goon felt that his team needed an early goal to get them going.  Senior Forward Jenna Lindsay got one which led to a three goal outburst in the first half that propelled Drexel to a 4 – 1 win over the Temple Owls at Vidas Field.

“It stemmed from our previous game,” said Drexel Coach Ray Goon on why the

Ray GoonDragons offense was so active. "We were working really hard prior to the last game, but just weren't able to finish our opportunities. I knew that once we got one or two goals, things would start clicking."Jenna Lindsay

Lindsay scored 19:53 into the game as she came in off a feed from Junior Forward Alex Vasquez.  Lindsay came in from the right side and fired a shot low banking the ball off the far post to give her team a 1 – 0 lead.  With the goal Lindsay set the school record for career goals at 21.  It was the second of the season for the Senior from Thorofare, NJ.

The tally sparked the Drexel offense.  The second Dragons goal of the game came at the 37:51 mark when Freshman Midfielder Alyssa Findlay converted a scramble in front of the net putting the ball past Temple Goalkeeper Tara Murphy.  It was Findlay’s initial goal of the season.  Sophomore Midfielder Christine Stevenson was credited with the assist as she headed the ball to Findlay.  It was the first of her three assists in the game which set a school record for most assists in a single game.  Stevenson sent a pass to Freshman Midfielder Megan Hammaker who came down the middle, then fired a shot catching the right side of the net.  The goal was the first of her career and gave Drexel a 3 – 0 halftime lead.

Temple got on the scoreboard at 56:17.  Senior Forward Niki Conn scored her first of the season unassisted as she came alone down the left side and fired a shot to the top far corner beating Drexel Goalkeeper Eve Badana.  Conn registered 7 shots in the game, the second consecutive contest in which she has had that many.  The Owls kept the pressure on nearly converting the proximity goal with 10:33 to play.  Badana made a sliding save off a shot by Temple Sophomore Defender Karly O’Toole.

Temple threatened again at the 89th minute when Conn sent a shot on goal that  Badana stopped.  The ball went into the Temple side of the field.  Vasquez scored with 16 seconds to play giving Drexel their 4 – 1 win.

Drexel got offense in this game, and still retained the defensive play they have shown throughout this campaign.

“We say to our players that defense is the willingness to work hard,” said Goon.  “You will play good defense if you are working hard.  I think our team has done that.  As far as the physical aspect of our defense, I couldn’t be happier.”

Winning Goalkeeper Sophomore Victoria Troccoli made 2 saves, Badana made 5 saves on 10 Temple shots. Owls Goalkeeper Murphy made 7 saves.  Drexel outshot Temple 22 – 17, while Temple had 4 corner kicks to 2 for Drexel.  The stats were close.  Drexel took advantage of their opportunities while Temple could not.

“It’s a cruel game at times,” said Temple Coach Matt Gwilliam.  “If you look at the stats of the game, shots are even, corners are even, it’s a matter of taking your chances.  They took their chances, and we didn’t capitalize on ours.”

Drexel improves to 2 – 1 – 1 on the season.  Temple suffered its first loss in 3 games this season.  Temple travels to Hartford for a game on Sunday.

This was the second of three games against city rivals for the Dragons.  They played their best offensive game, and will need to keep it going as they visit nationally ranked Virginia on Sunday.

“We knew we were playing well, creating opportunities, and putting opposing defenses under pressure,” Goon said.  “Until you finish the play and score the goal, that was looming over us.  Now that we have finished opportunities, the team was able to relax a little bit more.”

BOXSCORE

Written By: Glenn Papazian

 

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