Oct. 8, 2010
Final Stats
LEXINGTON, Va.- In a game that saw two Chanticleers score their first career goals and another her first assist, Coastal Carolina women's soccer team defeated the Keydets of VMI 2-1 in convincing fashion at Patchin Field in Lexington, Va.
The Chanticleers improve to 6-6 (2-1, Big South) with the win. The loss drops VMI to 2-11 (1-2, Big South).
The Chanticleers started the game aggressive on the offensive end and maintained that aggression throughout the contest as the Chants bested VMI in every offensive category on the final score sheet.
Freshman Christina Stern's goal lit up the scoreboard first in the 15th minute of the contest. Stern was fed the ball by fellow freshman Kate Wilkinson from the right side of the keeper's box. Stern took the pass and slid the ball between the VMI goal keeper and the far post. The goal was first of Stern's collegiate career while the assist was the first for Wilkinson.
Coastal's second goal and eventual game winner came off the foot of sophomore midfielder Ali Morin with 2:48 remaining in the first half. Morin was assisted by a cross by Cami Skladany from the right side. Morin proceeded to take the pass in front of the keeper and fire a shot inside the near post. The goal was the first for Morin on the season and in her career at Coastal Carolina. Skladany's assist was her first on the season and the third of her career.
Although Coastal was held without a goal in the second frame, the offensive pressure was present as the Chants controlled the ball for the majority of the half tallying nine shots to VMI's two.
"We need to do a better job as a team in the second half and be more productive and take advantage of the opportunities we have," said head coach Tammy DeCesare.
Senior goal keeper Amy Haggard made a diving save in the 41st minute after a Keydet Christelle Ndongo stole a pass and broke away from the Coastal defense to preserve the early 1-0 lead. Haggard faced seven shots and recorded one save.
As the second half wore on the Chants began to empty their bench to allow for younger players to gain experience in Big South Conference action.
Amanda Berrios scored with four minutes remaining to bring the Keydets within one at a 2-1 score to break up the Chants bid for consecutive shutouts.
"We had an opportunity to get some of the inexperienced players some quality playing time," said DeCesare. "Our ability to gain experience tonight will pay dividends down the road as we continue with conference play."
The Chanticleers finished with a 18-5 advantage in shots, with seven coming on goal and a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.
"Overall, I was pleased with our performance today," said DeCesare. "We are in a good place with a 2-1 conference record heading into a game with a very strong Radford team."
Coastal will resume their Virginia road swing on Sunday as the team heads to Radford to take on the Highlanders in a 2 p.m. matinee.
