George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
Marshall (Marshall Tournament)
George Washington Downs Marshall
9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 1, 2006
HUNTINGTON, WV - For the George Washington women's soccer team, Friday night's game against Marshall was almost an exact replica of last week's match at Villanova - another day full of rain that resulted in a move to the football stadium. Fortunately for the Colonials, the outcome was very different.
George Washington defeated Marshall Friday night, 2-0, at the Second Annual Thundering Herd Nike Invitational. The game, originally scheduled for Sam Hood Field, had to be relocated to the Joan C. Edwards Stadium (home to the Marshall football team) after the soccer field was deemed unsafe for play due to the remains of Hurricane Ernesto. It was the first ever women's soccer game played in the stadium.
The game itself began with a scoreless first half, but it was not without its goal opportunities. Both teams exchanged shots during the first 45 minutes (8-6 in favor of GW), but both keepers were equally fit for the challenge. Red-shirt sophomore Amie Kern had a great game, totaling five saves, including some particularly big stops against the Thundering Herd.
When the second half got underway, GW wasted no time breaking the scoreless tie. Less than three minutes after play resumed, junior Jordan Sweeney sent a shot on goal, gathered her rebound, and drilled the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 in favor of the Colonials. Sweeney was not finished.
GW added to their lead just a short time later, when, in the 54th minute, sophomore Lauren Kelly sent the ball ahead to Sweeney (3), who headed the ball home for the 2-0 lead and her second goal of the game.
The defense, which shutout Marshall and held them to 11 shots, was paced by senior captain Shari Taylor.
"Taylor was simply inspiring tonight. She came out and played like a true leader," said head coach Tanya Vogel.
"It was a fun experience tonight, playing in the football stadium," Vogel said. "But more importantly, this was a great win - the entire team really played extraordinary. This team just keeps getting better every game, I can't say it enough."
The Colonials will look to carry that momentum into Sunday morning when they take on Morehead State in their second, and final, game of the tournament. In the opening match Friday night, the Eagles of Morehead State played to a 0-0 tie with Delaware.
The GW-Morehead State game is scheduled for an 11:30AM start time. George Washington will open its home play Wednesday night when they host Howard at 3:00PM at the Mount Vernon Athletic Center.
