Women’s Soccer Edged at Drexel, 1-0

by Travis Lawson

October 14, 2012

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The William and Mary women’s soccer team dropped a tightly contested Colonial Athletic Association match at Drexel, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon from Vidas Field. In the opening 70 minutes of play, both squads battled for possession and launched attack after attack, until the Dragons netted the game-winner in the 72nd minute. The setback drops the Tribe to 11-5 overall and 5-2 in CAA action, while Drexel improves to 11-3-2 on the year and 5-2-1 in league play.

"Our effort and work rate were more than good enough to win today," stated head coach John Daly. However, we were unable to break them down and to their credit they capitalized on their opportunity. "We played well defensively but our passing and decision making were below requirements."

After the Dragons opened play registering two early shots, the Tribe responded with a pair of attempts on frame. In the 11th minute, freshman Leci Irvin, who has started every game this season, launched a shot that was saved by Drexel’s sophomore keeper Eve Badana. Minutes later, sophomore Christina Popps blasted W&M’s second look on goal that was saved again by Badana. Irvin got in on the action again in the 25th minute, as the Charlottesville, Va., native sent another attempt on frame, but was turned away for the second time of the stanza.

With the half nearing its end, the Green and Gold dominated possession and reeled off three unanswered shots. Senior Mallory Schaffer led the charge with an attempt in the 41st minute that was deflected before reaching frame. The Allison Park, Pa., native finished the afternoon with a team-high six shots. Freshman Nicole Baxter tallied two attempts late in the half, as her best chance missed high in the 43rd minute. W&M Freshman keeper Caroline Casey collected three saves and kept the Dragons off the scoreboard in the opening 45 minutes.

The second-half mirrored how the first-half ended with the Tribe knocking on the door of goal. Once again, Schaffer fired a shot that looked destined for the back of the net, but the attempt sailed wide as it threatened goal in the 55th minute. In the 72nd minute, Drexel broke the scoreless affair after sophomore Megan Hammaker netted junior Sam Greenfield’s assist. Needing the equalizer, the Green and Gold generated six more shots with two coming on frame, but were unable to tie the contest. Highlighting the attempts on frame were freshman Barbara Platenberg and sophomore Emory Camper, who fired attempts on goal in the 79th and 84th minutes.

For the match, W&M outshot the Dragons, 17-14, but Drexel owned the advantage in shots on goal, 7-5.

The College returns to action on Friday, Oct. 19, as it hosts Northeastern in a match slated to begin at 7 p.m.