AU Women's Soccer Outlasts Towson for 1-0 Victory

Sept. 14, 2008

Box Score

WASHINGTON - The American University women's soccer team outlasted Towson for a 1-0 non-conference victory on a very hot day at Reeves Field on Sunday. The Eagles improve to 3-2-1 on the season, while the Tigers fall to 3-3.

The first half was dominated by AU, as the majority of play and possession was held deep in Towson territory. The Eagles got on the board just 8:16 into the game when Krystn Hodge forced a turnover to the left of the Tiger goal. Hodge dribbled into the box and sent a blast to the far post that Towson keeper Jocelyn Papciak had no chance at saving to give AU a 1-0 lead that would prove to be the game-winner.

AU would go on to outshoot Towson 18-10, but the Tigers fought hard in the second half to get the equalizer, as both teams took six shots in the final 45 minutes of play. Towson was limited to just a few dangerous chances, with the back line of Friederike Engel, Kelly McLaughlin, Olivia Heditsian and Erin Koch having a strong showing. The Tigers had their best shot to tie the game late in the second half when Phyllicia Rosselli was alone on the back post but was called for a hand ball.

"We are happy to earn a win with great contributions from everyone off of the bench in difficult weather conditions," said AU head coach David Bucciero. "We weren't consistent from the first half to the second half in terms of our level of play, however, and need to have a stronger will to push through the fatigue."

Kelsey Wiggins made three saves in goal for the Eagles to preserve the shutout, her second of the season.

The Eagles will return to non-conference action on Tuesday, Sept. 16 when they travel to Richmond to play the Spiders. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.