DAYTON, Ohio - The Dayton Flyer women's soccer team (11-8-2) defeated the VCU Rams 3-0 in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament semifinal Friday night at Baujan Field. The Flyers advanced to the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship game to be played this Sunday, Nov. 9 at Baujan Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Dayton will face No. 1 seed La Salle. The game will be a rematch of the 2013 Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship game.

The Explorers defeated the Flyers earlier this season 1-0 on Oct. 17 at Baujan Field.

After a slow opening start on a cold November night, VCU had the first scoring opportunity in the match, but Maren Johnasen's shot was saved by Dayton keeper Heather Betancourt.

The Flyers would have a chance of their own a few minutes later when Nicole Waters' free kick crossed into the box. However, Dayton was unable to capitalize.

Dayton continued the offensive pressure, as Ashley Campbell nearly put the Flyers ahead on her shot attempt with 26:49 to play in the first half.  The Rams' Emma Kruse made a spectacular save to keep the Flyers out of the scoring column.

All of the Flyers' hard work finally paid off, as they were able to get on the scoreboard first with 19:53 remaining in the first half. Campbell started the scoring play with square pass to freshman Alexis Kiehl who took a shot that was blocked by the VCU goalkeeper, and sophomore Meghan Blank was able to finish the rebound to give Dayton a 1-0 advantage.

Dayton would take the 1-0 lead into halftime. The Flyers had five shots on goal, compared to VCU's two. Dayton also led in total shots 10-6 in the first half of action.

The second half of action resulted in more opportunities for each team. Betancourt and Kruse each had spectacular saves to keep the score at 1-0.

VCU's Brianne Moore came close to tying the game with 31:34 remaining in the second half, but Betancourt dove to her left to prevent the Rams from scoring.

A few moments later, Campbell's pass Waters on the left side of the 18-yard box. Waters brought the ball to her right foot and blasted a shot toward the goal. The attempt looked as if it would land in the back of the net, but VCU's goalkeeper made another tremendous save to keep the Flyers from doubling their lead.

Both teams continued to bring the offensive pressure. VCU's Megan Dell's shot landed just to the left of the net with 11:08 to play. Dell had another chance at goal, but that opportunity was saved by Betancourt.

Despite VCU's increased pressure, the Flyers were able to extend their lead. Campbell blocked a defensive clear and found herself with a wide open goal. Campbell was able to convert the opportunity to give Dayton a 2-0 lead with 8:28 remaining in the contest.

Minutes later, Campbell recorded her second goal of the night. Alexis Kiehl found herself alone with the VCU keeper and passed the ball to Campbell on the left side of the box. Campbell beat a VCU defender to the pass to give Dayton a 3-0 lead with just over three minutes to play in the match. The goal was Campbell's 16th of the season, moving her to third all-time at UD for career goals with 46. 

That goal would prove to be the final goal of the match.  Dayton outshot VCU 17-14. The Flyers also led in corner kicks 6-1. VCU ends the season at 10-5-5. Dayton moves to 11-8-2.

Written by Ryan Wilker, University of Dayton, Class of 2016

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