VCU women’s soccer secure first A-10 win versus St. Bonaventure, 2-0

Thailon Wilson, Staff writer

VCU women’s soccer defeated St. Bonaventure University 2-0 to earn the black and gold its first conference win of the season.

Coming into this game, the Rams had a record of two wins, one loss and seven draws. VCU head coach Lindsey Martin said the low number of losses and high number of draws is because of the team’s defense. 

“We lead the nation in ties. I think our defending is really good and we’re figuring out our attack more and more every game,” Martin said.

The game started off with VCU attacking St. Bonaventure with tackles and constant pressure to prevent them from getting the ball anywhere near VCU’s half. 

After a corner kick opportunity for VCU, St. Bonaventure could not get the ball out of their goalie’s area. 

VCU took advantage with a pass from VCU sophomore forward Kanna Matsuhisa to VCU freshman Kendyl Sarver for the goal at the nine-minute mark.

VCU defenders moved the ball upfield for an attack, but one of the defenders slipped up at the 18-minute mark.

With this opportunity, St. Bonaventure graduate student forward Cristina Torres took the ball and VCU senior goalkeeper Whitney Horton was the only thing between her and an open goal for a goal.

Torres attempted to shoot the ball in between Horton’s legs, but Horton was prepared and stopped the ball from going into VCU’s net.

Horton said that save helped to contribute to the momentum for the team going forward in the game.

“I love moments like that. It really brings the energy up for the team. I really realized that those moments are when we had to lockdown,” Horton said. 

VCU then continued to keep the momentum going and kept the ball from getting near the goal for the rest of the half and kept the pressure on St. Bonaventure’s side. 

At the 39-minute mark, VCU’s constant possession led to an opportunity near the St. Bonaventure goalie’s area. 

VCU junior forward Ella Higgins slotted a pass between St. Bonaventure defenders toward VCU junior midfielder Anna Bagley. Bagley took a touch and then shot the ball straight into the bottom right corner giving VCU a 2-0 lead.

The team was warranted another goal after their constant attacking of St. Bonaventure’s goal, Bagley said.

“After creating so many opportunities, especially in that first half, we deserved another one on the board. So it was a great job from everyone to keep working and keep fighting,” Bagley said.

VCU maintained the lead all the way to the half-time buzzer to keep a 2-0 lead going into the second half.

At the start of the second half, St. Bonaventure was able to get the ball out of their half more often through constant defensive pressing. 

However, even with the defensive pressing, St. Bonaventure wasn’t able to create offense and VCU shut down St Bonaventure’s offense for the rest of the game. 

At the end, the black and gold held a shut out and won the game 2-0

Martin said this win was important for the team and they achieved it because of determination.

“We really needed it. We had two ties last weekend, but we were coming out here tonight to get the three points [the win] though. So I feel like we did our job and I’m really proud of our effort,” Martin said.

The VCU Rams will be going to E. Claiborne Robins Stadium here in Richmond to play the University of Richmond Spiders on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m