University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
American
Women's Soccer Registers 2-1 Win Over American
08/30/2002 | Women's Soccer
Aug. 30, 2002
RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 30)-- University of Richmond sophomore forward Whitney Sikes' game-winner in the 88th minute lifted the Spiders to a 2-1 win over American University on Friday night at First Market Stadium. It was the season opener for both teams.
With the win, Richmond (1-0-0) moves on to the Championship Game of the Wachovia Challenge presented by Marriott at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 1. The Spiders will face intra-state rival James Madison (0-0-1). The Dukes advanced by besting #19 Rutgers (0-0-1) in penalty kicks. The Scarlet Knights and Eagles (0-1-0) tangle in the consolation game beginning at 12:00.
In the nightcap, Richmond posted a come-from behind victory in improving to 5-1 all-time in season home openers. American opened the scoring in the 44th minute as Savannah Rennels drilled a 20 footer that hit the cross-bar and bounced into the goal for the score. The Eagles held the 1-0 advantage through the first 82 minutes of play until Richmond's Jessica Marino knotted the score with eight minutes remaining in the contest. Marino took a pass from Sikes on the right side and slid the ball low into the left corner for the Spiders first score of the season. Sikes would be on the receiving end five minutes later, taking the cross from freshman Annette Isham and sending a 10-yard bullet into the net. The Spiders out-shot the Eagles, 22-6 in the contest including 15-1 in the second half.
In the first game of the evening, James Madison and nationally ranked Rutgers thrilled the crowd with a defensive battle. Both teams would have opportunities. Madison's Kim Argy would nail the right post in the 73rd minute while Rutgers midfielder Colleen McIlwrath's direct shot in the 84th minute would find the same route.
In the second 10-minute overtime stanza, Dukes goalkeeper Amanda Hutchings diving stop of Rutgers midfielder Samantha Swerdloff's boot would secure the tie and force penalty kicks to determine which squad would advance. Abby Karpinski found the left corner on the first penalty kick as did teammate Christy Metzker while the Scarlet Knights failed to convert their first two punts. Swindells' footer into net gave the Dukes a 4-1 edge in PK's and propelled JMU into the Championship Game on Sunday.
Box Score 1 2 OT1 OT2 F Rutgers 0 0 0 0 0 James Madison 0 0 0 0 0Box Score 1 2 F American 1 0 1 Richmond 0 2 2
