NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion women’s soccer thrills home fans on Sunday night at the ODU Soccer Stadium with 2-0 shutout win over Power Four school Maryland. The win was the program’s ninth over Power Four schools and was the first win since 2012’s 2-0 win over NC State.
“I think we played really quite well tonight against a team that have good individual talent and real athleticism," said ODU Head Coach Angie Hind.
The Terrapins (3-1) were held to one shot in the game coming in the 11th minute of action. Old Dominion’s (2-0-1) defense kept it airtight for the remainder of the game. Erin Jones and the defense led by Ashlynn Kulha were credited with the clean sheet.
"We managed to get a hold of the ball early and I think that allowed us to have long spells where we could control things and create chances," added Hind.
The Monarchs opened the game fast, registering three shots within the first four minutes of kickoff. ODU controlled the possession and found the opening goal from a Gry Boe Thrysoe rocket from the middle of the box and just outside of it, it slapped the top of the crossbar and ricocheted off the goal line into the net. The officials went to look at VAR to see if there was a conclusive angle and deemed the goal to stand.
"We scored two fantastic goals, one in each half and I felt we really should have added to that on the night," said Hind.
It took a little over two minutes after the second half began for ODU to extend its lead against the Terrapins. An unorthodox free kick routine saw Yuliia Khrystiuk, Andrea Balcazar, and Koto Davis stand around the ball. Balcazar looked to be confused with the motions of her teammates but this was according to plan for the Monarchs. Khrystiuk ran over the ball, then Davis, and then Balcazar faked an attempt for the returning Davis to hit an in-swinging ball which found the head of Kulha just yards away from the keeper. She slotted it past Maryland’s Faith Luckey to give ODU a 2-0 lead.
"Delighted with another win, another clean sheet and a result against a Power Four school certainly can’t be understated! Proud of the team tonight,” said Hind.
The Monarchs held onto that lead for the remainder of the game and only allowed Maryland to get two corner attempts the whole game. Old Dominion finished with four corners and 20 shots to UMD’s one shot.
Jones played the full 90 in goal and was only forced to make one save. Maryland’s Luckey ended with seven saves and two goals allowed. Ashlynn Kulha was named Player of the Match for the Monarchs due to a stellar defensive display.
ODU women’s soccer is back in action on August 31 when the Monarchs host Liberty at 6 p.m.