Sola, Smith score in 2-0 shutout of Bison

October 5, 2015

DAVIS, Calif. - Senior midfielder Ana Marija Sola scored in the sixth minute while junior forward Rachel Smith added another goal in the 86th to boost UC Davis to a 2-0 win over North Dakota State in non-conference collegiate women’s soccer action at Aggie Soccer Stadium Friday afternoon.

The Aggies, winners of a third consecutive shutout, improve to 4-1 for the year. The Bison slip to 1-3.

After initial threats from NDSU in the opening minutes, Sola delivered the first strike with a long ball from some 35 yards along the right sideline. The floating shot crept under the crossbar just beyond the reach of NDSU goalkeeper Sierra Bonham with just 5:37 elapsed into the contest.

UC Davis goalkeeper Alexis Smith posted three saves in her third shutout of the year. She stopped an early blast from Genna Joyce just beyond the penalty box to start the game — the first of six Bison shots before the break, and eight total attempts in the contest.

“I feel like North Dakota State deserves a lot of credit. They’re a organized, hard-working team that had really bought into their gameplan,” said Aggie head coach Twila Kaufman. “They did a really good job doing what they do best, so I’m proud of my team for finding a way to score two goals and keep a clean sheet.

“Personally, as a coach, I’m glad that we can get exposed at some things we need to grow in before we get ready for conference, while we’re winning. That’s a blessing,” Kaufman added.

Rachel Smith made it 2-0 with an assist from sophomore midfielder Mandy McKeegan, who sent a cross-cage serve from just inside the center circle. Smith collected the pass, eluded the charging Bonham and midfielder Natalie Fenske, then carefully planted a low shot into a wide-open net with 4:28 remaining in the contest.

McKeegan’s ball capped a flurry of Aggie challenges on the NDSU cage late in the second half. Senior Haley Hughes and sophomore Zuzu Romano put pressure on the Bison back line, while Sola narrowly missed a second goal when her blast from 20 yards deep was blocked in the 72nd. The Aggies also had three corner-kick opportunities down the stretch.

“Again, our depth is just proving to be a great asset to us, so I’m really proud of our bench culture. I’m proud of their effort. I think it’s making a big difference. We have an interesting mix of some tried-and-true veterans and some young guns. The energy has been awesome and our player leadership has done a great job. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”

UC Davis held NDSU to just two shots in the second half, outshooting its guest by a 14-8 margin for the contest.

The Aggies continue a three-match homestand with a Sunday contest with Denver on Sunday at 1 p.m.