Women’s soccer splits weekend matches

The women's soccer team added a win and a loss to its record last weekend at the JMU/Comfort Inn Invitational, where the Wildcats posted a 2-1 victory over Virginia Commonwealth and fell 1-0 to James Madison. 

Friday night, Villanova met a competitive opponent in VCU and played aggressively to take a one-goal decision. After a scoreless first half, the 'Cats initially took the lead early in the second stanza when junior Katie Ryan found the back of the net from nine yards out. 

Virginia Commonwealth came back with a goal of its own, but 'Nova went on the attack in the final minutes and sophomore Heidi Sabatura headed in the game-winner. 

The Rams put together a strong effort at both ends of the field and continued to test 'Nova up until the end, when the Wildcats finally secured the victory.   

'Nova had the offensive edge in a close contest, matching VCU in corner kicks (5) but finding more opportunities on goal (7-3). 

Ryan scored in the 56th minute off an assist from Sabatura, and the two forwards set the tone for an action-packed second half. 

VCU responded with more physical play, resulting in defender Molly Allen receiving a red card for a foul in the box. 

Villanova was granted a penalty kick but failed to capitalize on it as Rams goalkeeper Megan Lynch made her second of three saves. 

Virginia Commonwealth was forced to go on with only 10 players but held on to fight for the equalizer, making several substitutions and battling the Villanova defense for chances near the goal. The score was tied up in the 75th minute, when VCU defender Carly Edgcomb set up teammate Breiana White in front of the net. 

In the scramble to finish ahead, the 'Cats owned the momentum, as senior forward Justine Wollner and sophomore forward Colleen Lineweaver both fired shots.

Sabatura's deciding goal came in the 85th minute off a corner kick played by redshirt freshman Taylor Houck. Freshman goalie Jami Kranich earned the win for the Wildcats, recording two saves. 

Heading into Sunday's game, Villanova looked to stay undefeated but instead tallied its first loss of the season, giving up a late goal to host James Madison.

The opening 45 minutes again featured back-and-forth play without either team managing to get on the scoreboard, but in the second half, the competition intensified and JMU was able to seal the win. Ryan showed determination in the effort to help the Wildcats score, attempting a team-high six shots. 

Wollner and Sabatura also had opportunities, but nothing escaped James Madison goalkeeper Diane Wszalek, who made five saves. In addition to its offensive players, 'Nova also relied heavily on Kranich, who turned in a stellar performance with eight saves. 

The Dukes owned a 13-9 advantage over the Wildcats in shots and a 4-3 edge in corner kicks, but Kranich continually blocked the home team's advances and kept the 'Cats in contention. 

In the 40th minute, JMU forward Amalya Clayton dashed toward the goal on a breakaway, but Kranich emerged to battle her one-on-one and protected the net. A series of James Madison fouls in the second half gave 'Nova some opportunities to move down the field, as the Dukes were dealt three yellow cards.

In the 55th minute, a JMU hand ball in the box allowed Ryan to kick her second penalty of the weekend, but Wszalek again prevented the 'Cats from gaining any ground. 

Toward the end of the contest, control shifted to James Madison's side, as 'Nova could find only a few chances to penetrate its opponent's defense.

The lone goal of the game was hit into the net by JMU forward Yolie Anderson-Golhor, who was in scoring position near the left goal post when teammates Ariana Ruela and Cate Tisinger got her the ball.