Box Score Final Score: VCU 1, Longwood O
Location: Athletics Complex (Farmville, Va.)
The Short Story: In the Rams lone fall exhibition game, where the teams played three 30-minute periods, VCU came out on top 1-0. The Rams scored in the 49th minute as Alyssa Tallent found the back of the net with a double assist from Megan Dell and Tessa Broadwater. The ball was crossed in and after a few headers was nodded in by Tallent. VCU outshot Longwood by a decisive 12-0 margin during the contest with eight of VCU's shots coming on goal.
QUICK FACTS
- VCU had plenty of opportunities early as the Rams recorded five shots in the first half. The Rams would have two shots in the second period and five in the third period of the exhibition.
- Audrey Sanderson and Ryan Jones split time equally in the goal with neither being forced by the Lancers to make a save.
- The Rams held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks
- VCU forced Longwood keeper Maria Kirby to make seven saves on the evening
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Rams had the first opportunity in the 19th minute as Julia Suarez had her attempt on goal saved by Maria Kirby.
- Maddi Santo and Suarez forced two saves from Kirby in less than two minutes after Santo's shot in the 25th minute.
- Santo's header off a Surez corner went wide in the 26th minute.
- The Rams finally converted and broke the deadlock in the 49th minute on a cross that was finally met by Tallent for the goal. It was the first shot of the second period for the Rams.
- Megan Dell had a shot go wide in the 59th minute as the only other shot of the second stanza.
- Amanda Tredway almost doubled VCU's lead as she hit the crossbar in the 62nd minute and Suarez had a shot saved three minutes later.
WHAT'S NEXT
- The Rams will head to Harrisonburg, Virginia to play their first regular-season game at the JMU Invitational on Aug. 19. They will take on Northwestern at 4:30 at University Park.
COACH ON THE GAME
"We were pleased with the way we looked today. Other than coming out slow and not taking care of more chances, our overall play was solid on both sides of the ball. It was great to have Natalie Robles back after her ACL rehab this past year and I thought she did a good job of steadying us at the back. Lots of players got time today and gave us good reasons to look to them in the future. Our goal came from freshman, Alyssa Tallent, who made a great run forward for us to finish her opportunity in the box. Her along with Sue Friedrichs and Sarah Gibson did particularly well out of that freshmen group. Maddi Santo had a great day as well and we are excited to watch her progress and come into her own this season. Overall, good day, solid performance, lots to learn from as well."
