Devynn Alston, Staff Writer
VCU women’s soccer fell to La Salle University 5-2 on Sunday afternoon, as the Explorers’ early scoring and second-half offense proved to be too much for the Rams to overcome.
La Salle graduate student forward Justyce Hollenbach scored within the first 10 minutes of the match, before finding the back of the net again during the 20th minute to give the Explorers an early 2-0 lead.
VCU responded four minutes later when third-year midfielder Shiori Shintaku scored, cutting La Salle’s lead to 2-1. However, the Explorers regained their two-goal advantage at the 40-minute mark when third-year forward/midfielder Alexis Garcia scored, seeing La Salle go into the half with a 3-1 lead.
Even though they trailed, the Rams recorded five shots during the first half, with three being on target. However, VCU struggled to turn its possessions into consistent scoring opportunities.
“We really did have control a lot of the game, but then we just couldn’t get that final shot off,” VCU head coach Lauryn Hutchinson said.
VCU came out amped after halftime, as fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson scored in the opening minute of the second half to cut the deficit to 3-2. The goal marked Jackson’s third of the season and allowed the Rams to close the gap.
Jackson said that the team’s halftime conversations focused on raising morale and playing with more determination.
“I feel like second half, we came out with a lot more fight and grit,” Jackson said.
Despite the early second-half goal, La Salle maintained its offensive pressure. Garcia scored again in the 58th minute, extending the Explorers’ lead to 4-2. First-year forward Shiloh Moore added another goal during the 84th minute to secure the 5-2 victory.
VCU continued to possess the ball throughout the second half, but struggled to generate shots. In the 81st minute, fourth-year defender/midfielder Brianna Lawrence attempted a shot but was off target.
Hutchinson said the team must improve its execution in both attacking and defense, emphasizing how possession alone isn’t enough to win games.
“It’s great that we can keep the ball in the middle, but if we can’t score, we can’t defend,” Hutchinson said. “That’s one of our biggest pieces from our game model, be the best in both boxes.”
Jackson echoed her coach’s assessment, pointing to composure and decision-making as areas of improvement.
“I think we just need to take a deep breath on the ball and just pick our heads up,” Jackson said. “I feel like the game would open up a lot better if we just had more time to make the right decisions.”
Shintaku acknowledged the physical challenge of the match, noting the rainy, slippery conditions and La Salle’s aggressive style of play. She said the team would regroup in practice ahead of its next game.
VCU will look to build on its second-half response when they take on George Washington at the Athletic Village on Oct. 17.