Women’s Soccer vs. Dayton | Photo by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
After winning their season opener 2-1 over the Bellarmine Knights, Wright State University Women’s Soccer headed across town to face off against the University of Dayton Flyers.
Game rundown
Despite both teams having strong chances, only UD was able to find the back of the net in the match, taking the game 2-0. The Flyers pressed hard throughout the match, possessing the ball and keeping WSU on the defensive.
The Flyers would score two times in the first half to win, but both WSU goalkeepers Jessika Seward and Kiera Sarka denied goal after goal through the rest of the game.
Controlling the game
From the start of the match, the Flyers worked the ball quickly through the midfield when attacking. WSU handled the ball through UD’s defensive line to generate offense.
While the Raiders worked the ball well through UD’s defense, the Flyers attacked loose balls in the midfield quicker, pushing WSU back to their side of the field. Because of this, the majority of the game was played between the Raider 18 yard box and the half field line.
The Flyers took advantage of field position, with Itala Gameli scoring just seven minutes into the game. The Raiders quickly punched back, as a cross shot from sophomore Olivia Mace connected with Marcella Sizer, who found the back of the net; however, the play was ruled offside.
The Flyers would largely control the pace of the game, shooting 27 times to WSU’s seven. The Raiders placed their shots more accurately, putting six for seven on target to UD’s 11 for 27.
UD took advantage of their possession again in the first half, as confusion in the box from a cross ball caused a WSU own goal. Goalkeeper Seward was hit in the head and needed a substitute.
The Raiders found solid chances in the second half with aggressive play, fouling 16 times to UD’s 10 and earning four yellow cards, but it wasn’t enough to overwhelm the UD defense.
Looking forward
Senior Olga Massombo used speed and footwork to create multiple chances for the Raiders, but UD’s defense denied Massombo any one-on-one chances with a defender.
As the Raiders continue in the season, moving the attack through Massombo will be key to finding chances in the attacking third.
WSU goalkeepers also have skillful abilities with the ball, as both Seward and Sarka were confident in starting the Raider attack from the backfield. WSU didn’t give up any dangerous turnovers, whereas UD committed a few ball handling lapses.
The Raiders’ next home game is Sunday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. on Alumni Field with free admission for fans.
