Rams fall in 7-goal thriller against ODU
Women’s soccer outshot ODU 15-10 in the loss to the Monarchs. Photo by Raelyn Fines
Jaron Nutter, Contributing Writer
Women’s soccer fell in an offensive showcase to ODU 4-3 on Sunday night at Sports Backers Stadium, despite three first-half goals.
Coach Lindsey Martin said the team members didn’t play like their usual selves.
“We’re a talented team, but today we didn’t look talented,” Martin said. “When you have a game when you’re not playing like you typically do, and you’re not giving the effort you typically do, bad things are going to happen.”
Monarchs forward Amanda Nhek opened the scoring with a goal in the 13th minute, putting ODU up early.
Moments later, the Rams tied it with a goal from senior defender Susanna Friedrichs in the 14th minute, and senior midfielder Alyssa Tallent assisted the tying shot.
The Rams took the lead in the 24th minute after junior midfielder Emma Kershner knocked in a penalty kick.
Kyra Ricks scored two goals in a three minute span, tying the match and then putting the Monarchs in front.
Junior forward Cici Fox scored in the 44th minute to cap off a six-goal half and tie the game for VCU.
In the second half, both teams ramped up their defensive intensity.
ODU goalkeeper Jasmine Crawley made a save in the 49th minute, deflecting a potential go-ahead goal. Crawley followed up with another save in the 72nd minute.
Sophomore goalkeeper Grace Young also made a save for the Rams in the 62nd minute to keep the game deadlocked at three.
Junior midfielder Samantha Jerabek ripped five shots but failed to hit the back of the net all night.
Monarchs forward Megan Watts scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute to put ODU up 4-3.
VCU went on an all-out attack in the remaining 15 minutes, including a corner kick possession at the 89th minute, where the Rams took multiple shots on goal. However, VCU failed to tie the game.
The Rams fell, despite outshooting the Monarchs 15-10 and 7-5 on goal.
The Rams travel to Pittsburgh on Sept. 12 to take on the Panthers. They will return home on Sept. 15 to battle Saint Francis.
