Sept. 4, 2009
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - Fueled by four goals from four players, the Lafayette women's soccer team defeated Delaware State 4-0 on Friday afternoon at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.
Ninety minutes of stellar play from the Lafayette defense held the Hornets scoreless with no shots attempted in the entire game.
The first half spent the majority of the time in the Lafayette offensive half of the field, as the action saw the Leopards be the aggressors and attempt nine shots, creating numerous chances, including five corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes.
Following opportunities from an array of Leopards, a pair of tri-captains teamed up to put Lafayette on the board in the 25th minute. Junior Olivia Hawes took a pass from classmate Mackenzie Moore down the center of the field. Hawes took a couple touches before sending the ball into the left side of the net and giving the Leopards a 1-0 lead.
Lafayette grabbed an insurance goal midway through the second half when sophomore Dana Moyer lifted an unassisted goal inside the near left post and Lafayette had its 2-0 lead.
The Leopards extended its lead to 3-0 when freshman Bridget Becker tallied her first collegiate goal in the 86th minute. Becker received a ball at the top of the 18-yard box from sophomore Janelle Pierson and found the back of the left side of the net.
Freshman Jill Dozier joined Becker with the first collegiate goal of her own to cap off the Leopard scoring when Moore found her the middle of the six-yard box and sent the ball top shelf as Lafayette cruised to the 4-0 victory.
Goalkeeper Lauren Smedley's work was minimal on the afternoon, but was enough to record the first shutout of her career.
"Obviously its nice to win our first game of the season," head coach Mick Statham said following the game.
"It was a different type of game today that forced us into making some different types of decisions. I thought in the second half our final pass quality and decision making was better and that's what made the difference."
Lafayette will take tonight to enjoy the victory before preparations beginning for a Sunday afternoon contest with Loyola. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. in Baltimore, Md.
