NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion women's soccer continued it's successful start to the spring season by taking down the hosting Richmond Spiders by a score of 1-0 on Saturday, March 19. ODU is now 2-0 in spring play.
The Lady Monarchs did not waste any time putting the pressure on when Kathryn Hill and Kira Laurento both had solid strikes on goal within the first two minutes of the game, but both were smothered by Richmond’s goalkeeper. The early pressure continued with Iris Achterhof firing a half volley over the Richmond keeper's head but fell just wide following an excellent lofted pass from Deirdre Bradley. A few minutes later, Achterhof spun and delivered a powerful cross that almost found the timed run of Grace Haverly, but she couldn't convert following excellent pressure from the Spider's defense.
Following a frantic beginning, the first half settled down and saw the Lady Monarchs begin to dominate possession but against an organized Richmond team struggled to find the breakthrough. Towards the end of the first half, Richmond began a spell of pressure on the Lady Monarchs but a well-marshaled ODU defensive line limited any real chance on first half goalkeeper Erin Kinz.
The second half started with the Spiders being the aggressor, but ODU quickly sparked back to life with Kira Laurento and Thyla Peterson making great use of wide areas to threaten the home sides defensive line. Laurento and Haverly nearly linked up midway into the second half, with Laurento beating her defender off an excellent step over, before putting a dangerous cross towards the back post. Haverly's was run was aggressive, as she attempted a header, but the Spider's defense managed a clear from what looked like a clear goal.
With the deadlock 0-0 score looking like it would never be broken, Achterhof put the Lady Monarch's ahead in stunning circumstances. In the 83rd minute, Achterhof delivered a whipped delivery from a narrow angle that flew over the Richmond goalkeeper and in at the back post. The victory looked to be secured from this point, however it took a big save from freshman goalkeeper Erin Davidson to put the result beyond doubt. Following a delicate through pass that put a Richmond striker clear in the box, Davidson stood big and created a barrier that the opponent couldn't put the ball past and ensured a deserved victory for ODU.
Old Dominion will be back in action on Saturday, April 2nd against ECU at the Old Dominion Soccer Complex at 1:00 p.m. Prior to this game, the ODU women's team and staff will host a Soccer festival from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for local kids aged 6-12. Anyone interested should email Taylor Smith at tmsit135@odu.edu to reserve a spot. Cost is $10 per family, which includes participation in the festival (for all kids in family) and entry to the women's game at 1:00 p.m. vs. East Carolina.
2016 LADY SOCCER MONARCHS SPRING SCHEDULE
Friday, March 4: at VMI – ODU defeats VMI, 2-0
Saturday, March 19: at Richmond – ODU defeats Richmond, 1-0
Saturday, April 2: vs. ECU (1:00 p.m.)
Saturday, April 9: at Longwood (2:00 p.m.)
Saturday, April 16: ALUMNI GAME/BRUNCH (12:00 p.m.)
Saturday, April 23: at VCU (2:00 p.m.)
BOLD indicates home events
*All times EST
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news regarding ODU Women’s Soccer on Facebook; as well as follow @ODUWomensSoccer on Twitter!