Final Score: VCU 2, Richmond 1
Location: Richmond, Va. (Sports Backers Stadium)
Records: VCU: 6-4-1 (3-2-0 A-10), Richmond 1-4-1 (1-3-1)

THE SHORT STORY
Junior Amber DiOrio and redshirt-junior Emma Kershner netted a pair of second-half goals to propel VCU Women's Soccer past crosstown rival Richmond, 2-1 Thursday night at Sports Backers Stadium.

QUICK FACTS

• DiOrio's goal marks the first of her career
• Kershner recorded her fourth goal the season
• Kershner and redshirt-junior Samantha Jerabek led VCU with four shots apiece
• The Rams outshot the Spiders 15-11
• VCU placed five of its 15 shots on frame
• The Rams earned four corners in the contest
• The teams combined for 21 fouls

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both sides struggled for control in the opening minutes, the teams traded possession frequently with the majority of the action happening near midfield
• In the 39th minute, the Spiders' offense broke through. Freshman June Stevens controlled a rebounded shot and placed the ball in the bottom-left corner giving Richmond a one-goal advantage
• Less than five minutes into the second half, the Rams earned a corner. Jerabek sent the ball into the middle of the box where it pinballed around until Diorio knocked it across the goal line with her right foot
• In the 62nd minute, freshman Annabel Anderson was taken down just outside the box. Kershner lined up for the free kick and sent a shot that curved past the outstretched arms of the Richmond goalkeeper, tucking into the top right corner
• The Spiders had a final chance to equalize in 97th minute. Redshirt senior Alyssa Walker got behind the Rams backline and was pushing towards goal, but DiOrio tracked the forward down and freed the ball moments before a shot could be attempted

WHAT'S NEXT
VCU will be back in action on Thursday when it travels to Davidson, N.C. to face the Wildcats at Alumni Soccer Stadium. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. and will be available for live stream on ESPN+.