University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
VMI
Women's Soccer Downs VMI, 3-1
09.29.2011 | Women's Soccer
The Bulldogs (2-8-0, 1-0-0 BSC) controlled the match as they out-shot the Keydets (3-5-1, 0-1-0 BSC), 35-19. Asheville got goals from Kaitlyn Eckert, Ferriss Roberts and an own goal to snap a three-game losing streak to the Keydets.
"We're very pleased to open confernece play with a win on the road," commented Bulldog head coach Michelle Demko. "It was a total team effort as we did a good job on offense.
"However, we gave up 14 shots and a goal in the second half," added Demko. "We'll need to tighten that up against Radford on Saturday."
The Bulldogs scored on an own goal at the 32:25 to lead 1-0. Amanda Dailor's cross from 18 yards out went off a VMI defender to give Asheville the lead for good.
The Blue & White pounded the Keydet goal the rest of the half but VMI goalkeeper Amanda Berrios stopped five shots as Asheville led 1-0 at intermission.
Things got crazy early in the second half with three goals scored and a penalty kick within a five-minute span.
The Bulldogs scored the game-winner when senior defender Frances Staelin sent a pass to Eckert who headed the ball into the back of the net from six yards out to push Asheville in front, 2-0. It was Eckert's third goal of the season and it came at 57:24.
Less than three minutes later, VMI got on the board. Sarah Strand scored her fifth goal of the season unassisted to carve the Bulldog lead to 2-1 at 60:52.
Less than 30 seconds later Eckert crossed a ball to Roberts. The junior midfielder scored inside the six for a 3-1 Asheville advantage at 61:21.
One minute later the Bulldogs were called for a foul in the box and VMI was awarded a penalty kick. Liz Affronti took it for the Keydets. However, her PK hit the cross bar and Asheville goalkeeper Heather Muller smothered the shot.
Both teams had opportunities the rest of the match but could not score again. Amanda Knapp of Asheville fired nine shots on goal during the game. Leilani Halkiotis hit the cross bar late in the match.
The Bulldogs stay on the road and will play Radford Saturday evening at Cupp Stadium starting at 7 p.m.
