This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Jake Dietcher.
GW entered Atlantic 10 play with force this weekend, fighting through two contests that saw the team post first a tie in a double-overtime game and then an overtime victory in their next game.
The Colonials (4-7-1, 1-0-1) played their best soccer of the season this weekend, tying St. Bonaventure on Friday and defeating Duquesne on Sunday. The team’s hard-fought play proved the team’s strength, head coach Tanya Vogel said.
“Last week we lacked physicality,” Vogel said. “We were definitely the more physical team this weekend.”
GW’s match against St. Bonaventure tested GW’s physical stamina against a talented Bonnies squad. The game lasted 110 minutes, ultimately ending in a 0-0 draw.
For most of the match, the Colonials fought to stave off a talented Bonnies offense, outshot 17 to 5. St Bonaventure also capitalized on their strong defense to shut GW down offensively and the Colonials were unable to attempt a shot during either overtime period. But GW remained solid defensively, anchored by senior goalkeeper Lindsey Rowe, who made nine saves during the game to maintain the 0-0 tie.
“It was our first shut out of the season. We had to maintain focus for not 90 but 110 minutes today,” Vogel said. “We are competitors and we always want to win. The team gave everything tonight, and though it didn’t end up in a win, they did the things that I look for: work rate, intensity and focus.”
GW entered Sunday’s game against their second league foe, Duquesne, looking to earn their first conference victory.
The Colonials again entered overtime after regulation saw equally strong squads hold each other scoreless. Unlike Friday’s game, GW pressured their opponent’s defense in overtime. After posting just seven shots on goal during regulation, the Colonials put Duquesne away with a goal in the 91st minute from sophomore Claire Haft. The result was a 1-0 win and back-to-back shutouts to begin conference play for the Colonials.
“The girls did a great job in the second half and overtime at executing the game plan,” Vogel said. “Since the beginning of the season, our motto has been ‘Win the next game’ and that’s still the case. We are happy about this weekend and our start to A-10 play but we need to look forward to next game.”
The Colonials will continue their Atlantic 10 campaign Friday, when they will travel to Philadelphia to face Saint Joseph’s, with play scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
“We’re a team that doesn’t go away quietly,” Vogel said. “A-10 conference play is all about battling and we are looking forward to battling other A-10 opponents.”
