Devynn Alston, Staff Writer
VCU women’s soccer lost 1-0 to Liberty University at VCU Athletic Village on Sunday. VCU struggled to gain momentum in the first half, but showed more attacking pressure during the second half.
The Rams could not finish their opportunities, which made the difference.
An aggressive attack led to fifth-year Liberty forward Halle Engle scoring the game’s lone goal in the third minute. Liberty continued to be aggressive throughout the game, finishing with 21 shots on goal.
VCU’s best opportunity to score came from first-year forward Monique McEnhimer, whose first-half shot on goal was narrowly deflected.
Third-year goalkeeper, Cameryn Nunn, kept VCU within striking distance, saving four shots on goal.
The first half ended with Liberty ahead 1-0. VCU came out of the half much more aggressive than they had been during the first.
Both teams kept their feet on the gas, with VCU having two quick shots blocked during the 54th minute.
Liberty had multiple chances to extend the lead, even having a goal rescinded because of an offside call, but Nunn kept VCU in the game, making multiple saves.
VCU struggled to find the equalizer this game. Fourth-year defender and midfielder Brianna Lawrence specifically highlighted the team’s finishing through the final third as something that the Rams need to work on.
“We have some struggles in the final third to finish our shot, so definitely working on finishing, and doing stuff in our own time,” Lawrence said.
VCU head coach Lauryn Hutchinson said the Rams’ performance against a highly competitive Liberty squad was another step forward for the program, despite the loss.
“Yes, we lost, but we gained so much out of today, and every time I say this to our girls and to people after the game, we are taking steps forward,” Coach Hutchinson said.
Second-year defender Bo Price echoed the same sentiment, with a focus on VCU’s effort and defensive pressure as positives while emphasizing the importance of continuing to build fitness, composure, and chemistry.
“I think from the start, the effort for today was there, I think the press was perfect, really close today,” Price said. “I think that as long as we keep ticking over fitness and calm, as we build more chemistry as a team, it’s gonna come.”
The Rams’ next opportunity to get in the win column will come on Aug. 27 vs University of North Carolina Wilmington at 7 p.m.