The Basics

• Score: VCU 3, Fordham 2
• Records: VCU (5-6-1, 3-0-0), Fordham (8-4-0, 2-1-0)
• Location: Sports Backers Stadium – Richmond, Va.
• The Short Story: Kailyn Slade netted her second hat-trick in three games to lift VCU over Fordham in the team's Atlantic-10 Conference home opener. Slade's extra time goal gave the Rams the win and a 3-0 record against conference rivals this season.

How It Happened

• The Rams nearly got on the board early on an Amanda Hallesjo corner. Tori Burress almost volleyed a header into the net, but the shot was saved by the Fordham goalkeeper. 
• Shortly after, Sharon Wojcik ripped a shot but it defelcted off of the keeper's fingertips.
• Moments later, Fordham jumped out to a 1-0 lead, scoring on a header off of a corner kick.
• Minutes into the second half, Slade beautifully headed a Hallesjo corner kick into the net to tie the game up, 1-1.
• Fordham countered with a goal off of a cross to regain the advantage.
• VCU just missed an equalizer opportunity, but could not capitalize on a loose ball in front of the net as Gabby Dyer released another shot that would deflected by the keeper.
• Undeterred, the Rams rebounded with just seven minutes left in the game as freshman Julia Suarez found Slade for her second goal of the game, knotting the score at 2-2.
• Neither team would score again in regulation, forcing extra time where Slade scored again to complete the hat-trick and win the game. Slade entered the season with three goals and has doubled that total with two hat-tricks in the team's first three conference games. She now leads the team with seven scores. Hallesjo and Suarez are tied for first in assists with three a piece.

Highlights

Up Next

• The Rams continue their season on Sunday as they continue conference play, hosting Dayton at 1 p.m. in Sports Backers Stadium.