Women’s Soccer Drops Season Opener
The Waynesburg University women’s soccer team started off its 2016 season Thursday at home against Juniata College in a very physical game.
A defensive miscue cost the Jackets a goal late in the first half, putting them down 1-0. Then, in the second half, Juniata struck again going up 2-0.
The Yellow Jackets tried to comeback with a goal by junior forward Nikki Davis to put the score at 2-1, but couldn’t finish the comeback before the final whistle.
“It was the first game out, obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted, but I am proud of what this game showed out of us today, and I’m excited for the next opportunity,” said head coach Laura Heethuis. “We need to improve on things we didn’t do well today so keep working on our shape and keep working on our relationships on the field and getting to know each other.”
The starting 11 for the squad were very young, consisting of six underclassmen and five juniors.
In the beginning of the game, both teams looked evenly matched and very sloppy with their passes and ball control.
Then, in the 13th minute, Juniata junior Aubrie Christensen stole the ball from junior Waynesburg defender Sam Nichols and went on to score the first goal of the 2016 season, and the only goal of the first half.
At the end of the first half, Juniata had four shots on goal out of 11 shots, while Waynesburg also had four shots on goal compared to only six total shots.
In the second half, both teams were more physical ans aggressive with their play.
In the 54th minute, Juniata’s junior Maggie Pozenel stole the ball off a Waynesburg throw-in inside the defensive half of the field, and sophomore Anna Kauffman scored a goal assisted by sophomore Caroline Braas.
Juniata was now in a safe position with a 2-0 lead.
Then in the 63rd minute, off a quick free kick, Davis scored thanks to a beautiful back heel pass from junior Melanie Byler. Davis said all she was thinking about was “[to not] whiff.”
In the end, Waynesburg couldn’t get a second goal, leading to a 2-1 loss in the home opener for the Jackets.
Waynesburg’s next game is at La Roche College Friday, Sept. 2, at 3 p.m.