Sept. 5, 2008
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The San Diego State women's soccer team put up two second half goals, but it wasn't enough as 27th-ranked Villanova (4-0-0) netted the game-winner in the second overtime period to remain undefeated with a 3-2 victory in the opening game of the Villanova Classic at the West Campus Soccer Complex. With the loss, the Scarlet and Black falls to 2-2-0 on the season.
Aztec sophomore Cat Walker tallied her second goal of the year, while senior Alicia Piz notched her first.
"We had a slow start due to the traveling," said second-year SDSU head coach Mike Friesen. "I thought the team did a really good job of handling that and everyone put forth a good effort today."
Villanova took an early 1-0 advantage after Justine Wollner scored in the 25th minute of action. The Aztecs had a chance to tie the game at the 36:00 mark, but Taylor Canatsey's header was stopped by Wildcat goalkeeper Molly Williams, preserving the home team's lead going into the break.
SDSU came out firing on all cylinders in the second half as sophomore goalkeeper Aubree Southwick notched a pair of saves on the defensive end before Walker evened the game in the 57th minute on a shot to the left corner of the net. Junior Heather Vandevanter earned the assist on the play.
The Scarlet and Black then took its first lead of the game with 22:50 remaining in regulation when Jessica Gordon's shot hit the post and Piz put the ball away on the rebound. But the Wildcats responded just five minutes later when Megan Verdeur was able to slip the ball past Southwick off a deflection and send the game into overtime.
After one scoreless extra period, Villanova found a way to tally the game-winner in the 101st minute. Rachel Schuyler's shot from about 30 yards out hit the crossbar and Kaitlin Ryan was ready on the rebound as she headed in the final goal.
The Wildcats held a 19-11 advantage in shots taken. Piz and Walker led the Aztec attack with three and two attempts, respectively.
Despite the tough loss, there were some bright spots for the Aztecs. Junior defender Millie Allen appeared in her first game back from an injury, while Gordon and Piz continued to play well up top.
"Millie is not quite back to her usual self, but her toughness and composure will make a huge difference for our team, especially with the young back line that we have right now," Friesen said.
San Diego State will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 7, when it takes on Loyola (Md.) in its final game of the Villanova Classic. Due to the heavy rainfall expected on Saturday, the game has been moved to Olsen Field on the campus of Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa. Game time has also been pushed back one hour with kickoff now set for noon ET.