VIDEO: Griffith and Mohr Goals
KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's soccer team did not disappoint in its first home game of the season, as it picked up a 2-1 victory over the University of Charleston on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Keystone Field.
Both goals scored by Kutztown (1-1) were within 1:25 of one another and were scored by freshman.
Cara Griffith (Dickson City, Pa./Scranton Prep) was the first to strike for KU, as she fired a beautiful strike from 10 yards out into the back of the net to give KU the 1-0 lead with 11:50 left in the first half.
Less than 90 seconds later, the Golden Bears received more production from their freshman class when
Maddie Mohr (Elizabethtown, Pa./Elizabethtown Area) took a loose ball from about 40 yards out on a break. A dribble right, a dribble left, and finally a shot slid right underneath the goalkeeper's hand and found the right corner of the net.
It was not until the second half that Charleston (0-1) would strike back. Selma Fallson would receive a headed pass from teammate Marieke Kramer at the top of the box. Fallson would make the most of her opportunity as she converted on a 25-yard volley to bring the game within a goal.
Despite giving up the shutout, Kutztown's defense remained stingy and the offense kept control of possession for a large majority of the remaining 33 minutes. Charleston was unable to get a shot off for the final nine minutes of the game. It was apparent that KU held a large amount of the momentum as the Golden Eagles were not able to get an offensive rhythm together.
Kutztown held an advantage in shots by a total of 14-8. Senior forward
Alaina Curry (York, Pa./Dallastown Area) kept up the pressure offensively as she fired off a team-leading four shots, three of which were on goal.
Cassie Schmidt (Whitehall, Pa./Whitehall),
Katie Miller (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) and
Morgan Staley (Landenberg, Pa./Kennett), who are all returning starters for the Kutztown defense, were the rocks for KU's backline as they all played stout defense. The three were the lone non-goalie Golden Bears to play the full 90 minutes of the contest.
Kutztown will remain at home and return to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action on Wednesday, Sept, 7, hosting Lock Haven University at Keystone Field at 3 p.m.
