JMU Women’s Soccer Overpowers Xavier
August 29, 2009 • By Alex Van Rees, Contributing writer
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The JMU women’s soccer team dominated Xavier University 5-1 Friday in the Dukes’ first win of the season.
After dropping the season opener to the University of Richmond last weekend, JMU exploded to cap the opening day of the JMU/Comfort Inn Harrisonburg Invitational.
Earlier in the day, the Towson Tigers defeated Bucknell 4-1 in the first game of the tournament.
JMU junior midfielder Teresa Rynier was the story of the game. With four assists, she set the program record for assists in a single game.
Senior midfielder Ashley Flateland began the game by quickly scoring the first goal for the Dukes in the first five minutes. Xavier quickly responded with a goal from junior Justine Hartigan.
Xavier’s goal increased the Dukes’ aggression. With about six minutes left in the first half, senior forward Corky Julien scored the go-ahead goal. JMU kept the ball on its offensive half for most of the first 40 minutes.
“We had a great week of practice,” sophomore defender Jessica Bardnt said. “We really connected among the defenders, fielders and forwards. We had great chemistry as a team.”
The Dukes shot 10 times, scoring twice and saving one shot in the first half. While Xavier shot only four times, scoring once and saving four shots.
That momentum turned into more goals in the second half. The Dukes came surging out of the gate by scoring their next goal within five minutes. Junior forward Cate Tisinger scored a second goal, as the Dukes extended their lead to 3-1. The Musketeers did not take one shot in the second half as the Dukes pounded their defense.
“This was a huge game for us,” Tisinger said. “It was very important because all of us were looking to get the win because of the loss last weekend. So, we were all fired up to play.
“I felt like we were going to win at the very beginning of the game. We all felt we needed to step up our game and we did.”
Julien scored another goal about 10 minutes into the second half. Barndt added one more for good measure, as the Dukes went on to win the game 5-1.
JMU coach Dave Lombardo said due to the disappointing 3-0 loss to Richmond, the Dukes planned mentally and physically all week for the win this weekend.
“We have changed their mentality and a couple positions,” Lombardo said. “The kids seem to have responded well to it.”
In the second half, JMU shot 14 times, scoring three times with no saves. Xavier didn’t take a shot, but saved eight.
“I think we still need to work on our timing as a team,” Lombardo said. “Our skills and ideas are there, but we have some new kids. Not everyone is on the same page and it is coming together. We will get better each game.”
JMU will play its their second game of the tournament Sunday against Bucknell at 1:30 p.m.
Contact Alex Van Rees at vanreeap@jmu.edu
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