George Washington University
<b>Richmond*</b>
GW Wins Atlantic 10 Thriller
10/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 6, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC -The George Washington University women's soccer team snapped their two-game losing streak late Friday afternoon, battling Richmond - and the weather - into overtime before downing the Spiders, 2-1. For GW, it marks their first win in Atlantic 10 play in six games, dating back to last year, and the first of this season. The Colonials improved to 8-5-0 (1-2-0), their best overall record since 2003, when they finished 11-6-2. The Spiders continue to struggle this season, falling to 1-9-2 (1-2-0).
The first half was played in a steady downpour that clearly had a negative affect on both the playing surface and the game's pace of play. A full day of rain had left the Mount Vernon Field soggy and slow, limiting offensive play on both sides. In the first 45 minutes, GW managed just four shots, while Richmond was unable to muster a single one.
After halftime, it was quickly evident that the two clubs had adjusted to the slow play that resulted from the heavy rains and began to look for their chance break the scoreless tie. The Colonials were the first to strike, when, in the 54th minute, sophomore Lauren Kelly took advantage of a Richmond foul. The free-kick specialist Kelly sent a bender to the far post where junior Kierra Colker (2) played it in the air and volleyed the ball into the left corner of the net. It was Kelly's team-leading fourth assist of the year.
The remainder of play in second half was controlled by Richmond who managed to earn the equalizer in the 78th minute. Freshman Jen Ruhe played the ball ahead to junior Christine Wrublesky who blasted a shot from the left side. The ball deflected off a GW defender and into the top, left corner of the net.
For the second time this season, GW went into a sudden death overtime period (the last coming on Sept. 17, a 2-1 win over Vermont), and for the second time this season, the Colonials came out on top. In the 99th minute, after more than eight minutes of spirited back-and-forth play, junior Nicole Trickett blasted a loose ball over the head of Richmond keeper Kate Hudson, securing the GW win and triggering a mad rush of Colonials as her team stormed the field to celebrate with her. It was Trickett's second goal of the season, and her first career game-winner.
The victory extended the Colonials' home winning streak to five games, their longest such streak since a seven game stretch between 2001 and 2002. They will look to continue those winning ways when they return to the pitch on Sunday, hosting Charlotte at the Mount Vernon Field. The match is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.
