The Rice Thresher

Location: http://the.ricethresher.org/sports/2007/09/07/soccer_starts_undefeated

September 7, 2007 > Sports > Soccer starts new season without a loss

Soccer starts new season without a loss

By Bobby McFarlane | For the Thresher

The soccer team kicked off its 2007 campaign in soggy fashion last Friday, tying McNeese State University 2-2 on a rain-drenched field in Lake Charles, La. Two days later the squad rebounded by blanking Dartmouth 3-0 in College Station, Tex.

Rice (1-0-1) plays its home opener today at 7 p.m. against Texas Christian University, followed by a game 1 p.m. Sunday against in-state rival Stephen F. Austin University.

“We’re going to make sure we study up on what TCU brings to the table on offense and defense,” head coach Chris Huston said. “Hopefully we’ll be a little bit more aggressive in the air when the ball’s in the box.”

Despite less-than-ideal playing conditions last Friday, Rice looked sharp in its opener against the Cowgirls. Following a 90-minute rain delay, the Owls jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead thanks to back-to-back goals by senior forward Clory Martin and junior forward Caitlin Robbins.

Sophomore midfielder Shelley Wong assisted Martin’s goal, which came in the 22nd minute. Wong threaded an excellent pass between two McNeese State defenders, allowing Martin to gain control and go on the offensive. When Cowgirl goalie Shelby Money came out to make a sliding save, Martin dribbled to her right and found the empty net.

Robbins’ goal came just a minute later. After a crisp pass from Martin on the wing, Robbins beat two defenders and blasted a shot into the top corner of the net. The goal was Robbins’ 17th of her career and first since returning from an injury that sidelined her for most of 2006.

“It felt great getting back out there playing with the girls,” Robbins said. “I know how hard they’ve worked and I’ve been working hard getting back as well.”

Heading into the half, Rice held a comfortable 2-0 lead and led McNeese State in shots 9-6. The Owls’ dominant play continued throughout the second half, as they took 12 shots to McNeese State’s 5. However, fouls played a deciding factor in the match, as the Cowgirls’ two goals came on late free kicks — the first from about 25 yards and the second from just outside the goalie box.

Just as they had in regulation, Rice outplayed McNeese State in the two overtimes, dominating possession and out-shooting their opponent 6-1. Near the end of the second overtime, Rice set up two consecutive scoring opportunities only to be denied twice by game-saving stops.

Traveling to College Station last Sunday, Rice vowed not to repeat Friday’s disappointing second half in its game against Dartmouth. In the game’s seventh minute, senior midfielder Samantha Conn gathered an accurate Wong cross and delivered a low shot past a diving Dartmouth keeper to put Rice up 1-0. In the 33rd minute, a pass from junior midfielder Christine Petric found Clory Martin inside the keeper’s box, resulting in a quick-fire shot and Martin’s second goal in as many games.

Heading into the second half with a 2-0 lead, the Owls kept up the pressure, adding an insurance goal on a free kick from freshman midfielder Kate Edwards and shutting down the Big Green counterattack. Freshmen goalkeepers Meghan Erkel and Catherine Fitzsimmons, who are both vying for the starting position, combined for five saves for an impressive shutout.

The two goalkeepers highlight a much-heralded freshman class that has, so far, exceeded expectations.

“[It’s] the best freshmen class we’ve ever had,” Clory Martin said. “I don’t feel like they’re freshmen. We’re not treating them as freshmen because they’re not playing like freshmen.”

Despite being out-shot 11 to 9 in the game, the Owls made the best of limited opportunities against Dartmouth, capitalizing where they had not against McNeese State.

End of article

Back to top