AU Women's Soccer Earns 3-0 Victory over Holy Cross
Oct. 26, 2007
WASHINGTON - Led by Krystn Hodge's four-point game and Kelsey Brasher's three points, American University women's soccer remained unbeaten in Patriot League action with a 3-0 victory over Holy Cross on Friday afternoon at Reeves Field. The Eagles improve to 10-5-1 overall and 4-0-1 in the conference, while Holy Cross drops to 3-13-0 and 1-4-0 in the league.
Despite a 15-minute delay of game and rainy conditions, American University jumped ahead early, scoring just under three minutes into the game. Brasher beat her defender down the flank, causing the second defender to step up and leave Hodge open in the middle. Brasher sent a through-ball to Hodge, who used one quick touch to control the pass before netting her first of two goals of the day.
American defended its lead and created numerous opportunities throughout the remainder of the first, outshooting Holy Cross 12-0. AU's best opportunity to extend its lead before half came with just over eight minutes remaining. With Irene Karistinos stepping up and winning a 50-50 ball, a quick transition play beat the Crusader defense. Karistinos found Erin Stebbins open in the middle who used a one-time pass to find Sheppard open in the 18-yeard box. Sheppard beat the last defender and realizing the goalie was off her line, tried to chip the keeper, shooting just high of the woodwork. Despite the various chances, the Eagles were unable to capitalize and went into the half with the slim 1-0 advantage.
American University continued to dominate in the second, this time connecting on their chances. Less than four minutes apart, the Eagles netted back to back goals. Brasher starting the scoring off in the 64th minute, collecting the ball with her back to goal, turning her defender and netting her conference-leading 12th goal of the season. Hodge struck for the second time of the game just minutes later, with assists being credited to Erin Koch and Kelly McLaughlin. McLaughlin won a tackle against a Holy Cross forward and found Koch on the outside. Koch beat her defender endline and slotted a pass to Hodge open in the box. With a one-time shot, Hodge netted her ninth goal of the year.
American's defense was solid in the back, holding Holy Cross to zero shots in the first and just four shots in the second half, none of which were on goal. After three shots were blocked by the Eagles' backfield, Holy Cross was finally able to get its first clean look at goal in the 85th minute, but the shot hit the post and Annette Scott cleared it out of the danger zone. AU registered nine shots on goal, outshooting the Crusaders 23-4. American also held the 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
AU women's soccer returns to Reeves Field on Sunday, hosting Army at 12 p.m. The Eagles look to remain unbeaten in Patriot League play as AU Athletics presents "Phil Reeves." Students will be able to receive free smoothies from Robeks and AU students will also have the chance to win an iTunes gift card.
