Women’s Soccer trumps Monarchs

In their first win of the season away from home, Women’s Soccer improved to 4-2 with a 2-1 overtime triumph against Old Dominion University Sept. 6.

Monarchs sophomore forward Amanda Nhek opened the scoring in the first half with a goal against VCU senior goalkeeper Audrey Sanderson. After junior midfielder Rachel Hardy tallied the first shot for VCU in the 41st minute, freshman forward Idelys Vazquez netted VCU’s first score of the match at the end of the first half.

Vazquez’s goal tied the game 1-1. Taking advantage of a rebounded shot from junior defender Amanda Tredway, Vazquez notched her second score of the season. Old Dominion’s junior goalkeeper Erin Davidson saved Tredway’s attempt, allowing Vazquez a clear shot past Davidson to tie the game.

Vazquez’s shot seemed to shift the momentum of the match over to the Black and Gold, as VCU’s defense held the Monarchs scoreless throughout the second half. As overtime loomed, the two teams prepared to play into extra time, but it would not be long until sophomore midfielder Samantha Jerabek broke through.

Jerabek netted the game-winner two minutes into overtime on a high shot that sailed beyond Davidson’s reach from about 25 yards out. The walk-off goal gave the Rams a 2-1 victory. Jerabek also recorded two shots on the night to lead the team, and her overtime goal was her third of the season.

VCU now averages 1.5 goals per game and an even 14 shots per match. The Rams are 1-1 in official road matches, while they retain a 2-1 winning ratio in home games.

This week’s forthcoming matches see the Black and Gold taking on two teams at home, with the Howard University Bison visiting on Thursday, Sept. 13 for a 7 p.m. match. The University of North Carolina-Greensboro will play the Rams on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m.

Adam Cheek Staff Writer