NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion women’s soccer team (9-4-4, 6-2-2 C-USA) took down the defending Conference USA champions Charlotte (9-8-1, 4-5-1 C-USA) by a 3-2 score in the regular season finale and Senior Night at the ODU Soccer Complex on Friday night.
The 49ers struck first with a goal by Sophie Sipprell at the 2:04 mark, which was assisted by Abby Taylor to give Charlotte an early 1-0 lead.
In the 24th minute, ODU answered back with an equalizer from Iris Achterhof, assisted by Natalie Johnson. Achterhof took a touch and fired a shot with her left foot, which found the right side of the net to tie the match at 1-1.
Achterhof scored her second goal of the match and fourth of the season in the 36th minute to give ODU a 2-1 advantage at the half. The goal was assisted by Morgan Hall, who beat her defender on the left side and fed Achterhof, who one-timed the ball into the 49ers net.
In the 65th minute, Talia Tapper drilled a bullet from downtown over the head of the 49ers goalkeeper to extend the Monarchs lead to 3-1. The goal was Tapper’s second of the season and was assisted by Carla Morich.
Megan Greene scored in the 76th minute to pull Charlotte within one, 3-2, however, Old Dominion would hold on to close out the regular season with a victory on Friday night in Norfolk in front of 457 fans.
Krista Moisio finished the match with eight saves in goal for the Monarchs.
The official seedings and bracket for the 2017 Conference USA Tournament in Boca Raton next week will not be finalized until Sunday night.
CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE
Friday night marked Senior Night for ODU’s Madison Hogan (Williamstown, N.J.), Jackie Stroud (Raleigh, N.C.), Devyn Hannis (Macungie, Pa.), Karlie Kellstrom (Woodbridge, Va.) and Krista Moisio (Tampere, Finland).
ODU Head Coach Angie Hind on this Year’s Senior Class:
“I am so, so proud of this group of young women and all that they have given to this program over the last four years. My first year as a head coach here was also their first year as a freshman for most of them and therefore they had to adapt to a new coach and different demands. The reason this program is where it is today is a lot due to their commitment, talent and also how they have embraced and excelled in the environment we have tried to create. Their work-ethic, dedication on the practice field, teamed with the same dedication to their studies has made them real role models for this program. Their impact has been immense and I am so very proud that each of them have individually contributed and also as a class to ODU Women’s Soccer. While this may be our final game of the season here at ODU, I am excited to have this group of seniors lead us into the Conference USA Tournament, where we hope to be playing many more games together in 2017.”
Hind on Karlie Kellstrom:
“Karlie is not only a dedicated athlete, but also a very committed student. It has been a pleasure to witness her excel as an athlete here and has consistently took great pride in the fitness levels and standards she has set for this team in that area. On the field, she has played both defense and midfield for the team. As a student, Karlie has always excelled and has shown to many the dedication required to compete and also succeed academically. I thank her for all that she has brought to the team both on the field but also as a valued member of this class – I thank her for all she has brought to ODU Women’s Soccer and wish her every success.”
Hind on Devyn Hannis:
“Devyn has brought much to this program and it has been really enjoyable to see her develop over these past four years, not only as a soccer player but also as a person. Probably one of the most polite and respectful young women I have coached, it has been a real pleasure to work with her. As a midfielder, Devyn has contributed every year to the team’s success and worked selflessly for the team. As a student Devyn has also led by example and been such a great role model for our younger players in how to balance studies and sport with great success. It has been a genuine pleasure to know and coach Devyn and I wish her every success beyond ODU Women’s Soccer.”
Hind on Krista Moisio:
“Krista has only been with the program for two years but in those two years she has made a huge influence on the teams’ on-field success. Playing in almost every game since transferring to ODU she has made the goalkeeping position her own. A talented and agile keeper who has great ability with her feet, she has been a consistent strength for the team. While quieter, she has been a great role model for others in her desire to do the best she can for the team and has no doubt developed in her role over the two seasons. I thank her for all that she has brought to ODU Women’s Soccer and wish her every success in the future.”
Hind on Madison Hogan:
“As a Captain, leader and role model, ‘Maddy’ Hogan has been so inspiring to others around her. Not only has she made a huge contribution to this program with the goals she has scored over the years, but also in her work ethic and desire on the field. As a soccer player, she is a winner and time and time again has shown that in helping the team secure victory with overtime or game winning goals. As a student, being able to undertake a graduate program while still being part of this team shows her dedication and drive to maximize her time here at ODU. As a person, she is simply first-class and her positive influence on ODU Women’s Soccer will continue through the younger players she has impacted. I am so proud of all that she has achieved and thank ‘Maddy’ for all that she has brought to ODU Women’s Soccer.”
Hind on Jackie Stroud:
“Jackie Stroud has developed over the past four years into a true leader, mentor and one of the very best central defenders I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has embraced all that we as a staff have introduced to the program and grown with the challenges before her. As a player, she brings a winning mentality, but also great composure, which has allowed us to play the style that we like while also bringing along fellow teammates with her. Especially this season, she has been simply immense in her role as Captain and matched by her dedication to give her best to the team, she has led by example scoring some fantastic goals and inspiring those around her. As a student-athlete, she has shown others how to successfully balance academics with their passion for soccer and this program is undoubtedly indebted to her for her contribution. It has been my genuine privilege to coach her – in so many ways Jackie Stroud epitomizes all that ODU Women’s Soccer represents: commitment, talent, selflessness and a winning mentality. I thank her for all that she has given to ODU Women’s Soccer.”