Aug. 23, 2009
Box Score
FLORENCE, S.C. - Six different players scored goals as the Navy women's soccer team wrapped up a successful opening weekend with its second-straight decisive road victory, cruising past Francis Marion in a 6-2 decision on Sunday afternoon.
The six goals (four of which came in the first half) were the most the Midshipmen have scored in a match since defeating Howard, 8-1 on Oct. 30, 2007.
"It's a great way to begin the year," said Navy head coach Carin Gabarra of her squad's 2-0 start. "We have plenty of things to shore up and there is still a long, long way to go for us to get where we need to be. That being said, anytime you can come away with two convincing victories on the road, you can't help but be pretty satisfied."
After the host Patriots broke onto the scoreboard in the 10th minute, Navy's attack responded emphatically, scoring four unanswered goals over the next 19:08 to stake claim to a commanding 4-1 advantage.
"We were not happy allowing two goals today, but it was encouraging to see the team respond in such a positive fashion after falling behind," added Gabarra. "Our attacking was just relentless and really was clicking on all cylinders during that stretch in the first half."
Senior defender Shelly Moeller (Milford, Ohio) began the offensive barrage with her second tally in as many games, heading in the equalizer at 13:17 off a free kick from junior Carissa Youker (Potomac, Md.).
Veteran forward Brittany White (Carmel, Ind.) then followed her classmate's lead, putting Navy ahead 2-1 in the 21st minute. After receiving a pass from junior Anastasia Abid (Williamsburg, Va.), White beat the FMU keeper from eight yards out for her first goal of the year (12th of her career).
The Mids' third score of the contest came at 26:31, as freshman Brittany Fruin (McLean, Va.), who earned the starting nod in the midfield for the second-straight game, registered her first collegiate goal on an assist from sophomore Amanda Serfass (Fort Worth, Texas).
Fruin was not done either, as just two minutes and 33 seconds elapsed before the McLean, Va. native deftly sent a cross from the left flank to the foot of sophomore Stephanie Lomeli (Glendale, Ariz.), who promptly put Navy ahead 4-1 headed into halftime.
"Both Brittany's (Fruin & White) played well for us today," said Gabarra. "They were very active and helped create a number of chances for us."
Out of the break, Navy kept the pressure on the host Patriots and broke through on 57' as junior Christine Calderon (Yorktown, Va.) netted her second goal of the year courtesy of classmates Abid and Youker, who provided their second assists of the match (career-highs for both players).
At 75:33, FMU would cut into the deficit with a header to stem Navy's 5-0 spurt. The Mids, however, were not finished. In the 83rd minute, sophomore
Annie Kendzior (Southlake, Texas) finished a breakaway opportunity created thanks to a nifty give-and-go with senior teammate
Jen Grijalva (Pleasanton, Calif.).
The goal, Kendzior's first of her tenure with the Blue and Gold, capped off a high-scoring weekend for the Mids, who finished the two-game road swing with a total of nine goals to their credit.
For the match, Navy out-shot the Patriots 20-5 as White and Youker each had three attempts apiece to lead the Mids.
Senior keeper and team captain Beth Reed (Indianapolis, Ind.) turned away one FMU effort and allowed a goal in 74-plus minutes of action to earn the victory.
Navy returns to Annapolis next weekend to host a pair of first-time opponents during the 10th annual Navy Soccer Invitational. Boise State, Fairleigh Dickinson and Rider will also be featured over the two-day, four-game showcase.
The Mids host FDU on Friday at 7 p.m, looking to win their 15th consecutive home opener, before battling a strong Boise State side on Sunday at noon.
"We're excited to be returning home at 2-0," said Gabarra. "We have some very tough games coming up, but we are definitely looking forward to getting out in front of the home crowd again."
Match Notes:
*Youker leads Navy with five points (1 g, 3 a). Her three assists already exceeds her previous season-best total (2 in 2008).
*Through two games, seven different Navy players have scored goals (Calderon & Moeller both have two apiece) and 11 have earned their way onto the scoresheet with a goal or an assist.
*Amanda Serfass recorded her first collegiate assist on Navy's third goal of the contest.
