Oct. 19, 2007
NORFOLK, Va. -- The Lady Monarch soccer team persisted through a back-and-forth first half and picked up the tempo in the second half to put away the Patriots of George Mason (7-6-0, 3-4-0) on Friday night. Sophomore Chika Umejei scored her first goal of the season in the 68th minute of play for the gamewinner. Colby Owen, in a spot start between the pipes, pitched a shutout and made three saves. The win improved ODU's record to 7-4-2 overall and 3-3-1 in the CAA.
Both teams started slow in the game and combined for just four shots in the first half. Neither team got anything going offensively in the first frame.
In the second half, though, the pace quickened and the attack of the Lady Monarchs would find another gear. After taking just one shot in the first half, ODU would send eight toward the GMU goalmouth, including five on-goal.
The added pressure would be rewarded 67:47 into the match as junior Janna Pearson sent a cross into the box that sophomore Jenni Purdum got a head on to the feet of Umejei. Umejei was the only player on the back post and touched the ball into the open net for the game winning goal.
It was Umejei's first of the season and second of her career. The assist for Pearson added to her team-leading total, giving her six and Purdum's assist was the second of her season.
The Patriots would not go quietly, however, sending several balls into the ODU box in the final ten minutes. The best opportunity would come off a free kick with just over three minutes left to play. The ball was a laser, but sophomore Kirstin Walker was unphased and headed the ball away and beyond the Mason attackers.
Junior Colby Owen, playing between the pipes for the third time this season, posted a shutout against Mason with three saves. It was her seventh career shutout and the game lowered her goals against average to 0.38 for the season. She is now 3-0-0 for the Lady Monarchs.
Old Dominion returns to the field Sunday afternoon as they host Towson (8-4-1, 2-3-1) in another crucial CAA game. Towson played against William & Mary on Friday night. With a win, ODU would make a significant push toward the postseason picture. Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm.
GMU 0-0=0ODU 0-1=1
67:47 ODU Umejei, Chika (1) from Pearson and Purdum
Shots: GMU (6), ODU (9)Corners: GMU (5), ODU (2)Fouls: GMU (3), ODU (9)Saves: GMU: Davenport (4) ODU: Owen (3)