Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
VCU
@HerdWSoccer Battles to 3-3 Draw with VCU
8/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 24, 2014
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Despite a two-goal performance by senior Kristine Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.), Marshall women's soccer drew a 3-3 decision with VCU after double overtime, Sunday, in its home opener at Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex.
The match did not get off to an ideal start for Marshall as it was called for a foul inside the box 41 seconds into the match, resulting in a penalty kick for the Rams. Maren Johansen stepped up and converted to give VCU an early 1-0 lead. In the 13th minute, Culicerto one-timed a cross from sophomore Sydney Arnold (Stafford, Va.) and found the back of the net to make it 1-1. Just two minutes later, senior Alyssa Cathey (Fort Collins, Colo.) gave the Herd its first lead when she booted a ball from 20 yards out over VCU's keeper, Emma Kruse.
In the 27th minute, Tori Burress long-balled into the box to Johansen, who struck for her second goal of the match to even the score at two. However, the Herd pulled ahead again in the 35th minute on Culicerto's second goal of the match, this time on a cross by fellow senior Myka DeMarco (Dallas).
The final say came from Johansen, who completed her hat trick in the 54th minute, dribbling into the box past a Herd defender and striking unassisted. The next 33 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute periods of overtime saw opportunities for both teams, but neither were able to find a winning shot.
AGAINST THE RAMS
Marshall out-shot VCU (16-8) and led shots on-goal (9-5). Both teams had five corner kicks each. Kruse made six saves with three goals against her, and the Herd's Lizzie Kish (Boyertown, Pa.) made two saves with three goals against her.
LONG STORY SHORT
Quotes by Coach Kevin Long:
On the Herd's performance against VCU
"It was a good effort. VCU is a good team. We've certainly seen some strides since we last played them in 2011. I'm proud of the way we came back from a one-goal deficit early in the game. However we would have loved to see some different things happen on all levels, from how we defended attacks to how we handled adversity."
On changing lineups
"It was really hot today. We went pretty deep into our bench throughout the game, deeper than we normally would for a home game. We were looking for some energy. At this point in the season, we're looking for players who can give us a spark."
On taking strategic shots
"We have players who have taken it to heart that we need to find the back of the net versus just getting it in that direction. You saw that today. I think Kristine [Culicerto] did a fantastic job. We scored some great goals that I think will be fun to watch on replay. So that part is positive: we didn't just get chances, we got goals. The next step is to eliminate those from occurring against us."
Quotes by senior forward Kristine Culicerto:
On what the team can take away from the match vs. VCU
"It was hard to catch a breath out there today. It felt like we were breathing in the same air we were breathing out. I think something we can take away from this game is pushing past that and putting it out of our minds."
THE LAST TIMEââ'¬Â¦
- The Herd tied in overtime: Oct. 27, 2013 - Tulsa (T, 2-2 2OT)
- The Herd tied in its home opener: Sept. 5, 2008 - The Citadel (T, 2-2 2OT)
- A member of the Herd scored two goals: Aug. 25, 2013 - Kristine Culicerto vs. Kent State (W, 3-0)
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Keep up with the latest news about Herd soccer by liking the team's official Facebook page: Marshall University Soccer. For live in-match updates and news, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter. Want to see photos and behind-the-scenes action? Give @HerdZone a follow on Instagram.
UP NEXT
The Herd will travel to Charleston, Ill., for a first meeting with Eastern Illinois, Friday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. For all the latest information about Marshall women's soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.
---HerdZone.com---
