The GW women’s soccer team defeated Virginia Commonwealth University in its final game before the bulk of the Atlantic 10 schedule bears down on the team. Senior Angelica Caramanica broke a 1-1 tie with her first goal of the season in the 2-1 win in Richmond, Va.

The win ended a three-game losing streak that included the team’s 3-2 double-overtime loss to Richmond in its first conference game Sept 25.

This weekend, the Colonials host two A-10 games that are critical if the team wants to erase losing non-conference and conference records (3-4, 0-1).

On Friday, GW will host Xavier, which heads into the conference schedule with a losing overall record (2-5). On Sunday afternoon, GW will host Dayton, which has the same non-conference record as GW but won its first conference game against Xavier Sept 19.

Against VCU, freshman Meghan Cracker gave GW an early lead when she beat VCU goalkeeper Chrissy Lloyd two minutes into the game. Freshman Kelly Lawten sent a long pass across the mouth of the goal. Cracker brought it down inside the penalty box and beat Lloyd to the right side to give GW an early 1-0 lead.

The Rams (5-4-1) tied it at the 13th minute when Shayla Clark dribbled inside the GW penalty box and beat GW goalkeeper Christine O’Malley from six yards out.

The score remained tied through 10 minutes of the second half. Caramanica won a race to a loose ball and scored from 14 yards out to give GW the 2-1 lead and eventual win.

O’Malley was tough in goal again making 5 saves on 18 shots. VCU’s goalkeeper also made five saves but saw only 10 shots.