Aug. 27, 2005
Box Score
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - - Freshman forward Iris Boivin (Pittsburg, Pa.) scored in the 73rd minute to lead the Navy women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over George Washington in its season opener Friday night at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. The Mids, who are now 7-6 in season openers, improved to 4-2 in openers played in Annapolis. Meanwhile, Friday's contest marked the first time Navy has opened its season at home since its 1999 victory over George Mason.
Navy controlled the game from the opening whistle, outshooting the Colonials, 16-3. While the Mids earned countless goal-scoring opportunities, they struggled to get the ball in the net.
"Possession-wise, I thought we played well tonight," said Navy head coach Carin Gabarra. "We were excited to play our opener at home and were a little too excited at times. We didn't do some little things well, but on the other hand, we had several chances to finish which I was pleased about. For Sunday's game, we will work on possessing the ball and getting behind the opposing team's defense better."
Boivin was in on two goal-scoring opportunities. Her first was denied in the 70th minute, after her shot ricocheted off the cross bar. But three minutes later, fellow freshman CiAnna Weikle (Lakeville, Minn.) found Boivin racing to the right side of the box. Weikle sent the ball to Boivin who rippled the lower left side of the net.
"I'm happy for Iris, scoring her first collegiate goal," said Gabarra.
The Colonials were stifled throughout most of the game, as their lone goal-scoring opportunity came with 7:11 remaining in the opening half. Freshman defender Kerry Philbin took a shot at the top of the box, but was stuffed by senior goalkeeper Haley Crain (Friendswood, Texas) who charged Philbin and blocked the ball with her body.
A gratifying night had by all, it was especially exciting for Crain who made just her second-career start, produced her first-collegiate shutout and earned her first win as the goalkeeper of record.
The Mids return to action Sunday when they play host to La Salle. The Explorers dropped their season opener Friday night on the road at Villanova. Ironically, as Navy scored its game-winner in the 73rd minute against GW Friday, Villanova scored its game-winner in the 73rd minute to defeat La Salle. Sunday's contest, which is slated for 1 p.m., marks the inaugural meeting between the two teams.
