DEFENSE, JANSSON LEAD RAMS TO 2-1 WIN OVER NORTHEASTERN
10-13-06
Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. – Battling the brisk weather and a fiery opponent, the VCU women’s soccer team was able to upend the visiting Northeastern University, 2-1, in CAA women’s soccer action on Friday evening at VCU’s Sports Backers stadium. The win improves the Rams record to 10-3-2 overall and 6-1-0 in the conference, while the Huskies fall to 8-4-2 and 4-2-1 in the CAA.

The Huskies came out aggressive as they constantly put pressure on the Black and Gold back line and junior netminder Lauren Hardison (Midlothian, Va./Clover Hill). Great defensive efforts from Myriam Bouchard (Quebec, Canada/Cardinal Roy) and Brittain Maas (McLean, Va./McLean) allowed the Rams to hold Northeastern off the scoreboard early.

Sophomore standout Stephanie Power (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia/Dartmouth) took a pass from fellow classmate Pernilla Jansson (Stockholm, Sweden/Danderyds Gym) and lofted a shot from 30 yards out over the head off Huskie goaltender Annie Petrofsky to give the Rams a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute of action.

Northeastern quickly answered as their pressure on the Rams’ defense resulted in a goal in the 24th minute as Caitlin Whelan netted a goal to even the game at 1-1.

Jansson struck again as she received a feed from senior Melanie Simonich (Centreville, Va./Westfield) on a breakaway and found the back of the net in the 65th minute to give the Rams a 2-1 advantage.

A frantic effort by Northeastern in the final minutes were all snuffed away by the Black and Gold as the Rams held on for a 2-1 victory.

The Rams outshot the Huskies 14-11 in the contest as Hardison recorded four saves in a stellar effort.

The Black and Gold return home on Sunday, October 15th as they take on reigning CAA champion Hofstra in a 2 p.m. contest.