HARRISONBURG, Va. Methodist women's soccer kicked off their season opener with a victory over Eastern Mennonite University on Saturday afternoon by a margin of 2-0. The Monarch defense held the Royals to just two shots, while Methodist dominated on the offensive end, taking 19 total shots.
Maddie Hernandez recorded the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.
Rianna Orello added cushion for the Monarchs with a goal in the 57th minute, just four minutes following the first. Orello's goal tallied her first career goal as a Monarch.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Eastern Mennonite, 2-0
Records: Methodist 1-0; Eastern Mennonite 0-1-1
Location: EMU Turf Field; Harrisonburg, Va.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- On the far side, Orello dribbled up the field and broke past one defender before two more stepped up. She then passed it off to Hernandez in the middle, who took one touch before taking a shot straight on with the goal. The ball took one bounce and went right over the keeper's dive attempt.
- After assisting Hernandez in the Monarchs first goal, Orello took on one defender, 18 yards out from the goal. A little shake and bake gave her enough room to launch her first goal as a Monarch into the top right corner, over the Royals goalie.
- The Monarchs controlled the game the way they wanted to play, especially in the first half when they had a 9-0 and 7-0 advantage, in shots and corners respectively.
NUMBERS
- Methodist's 13-0 edge in corner kicks also defined a dominant possession game by the Monarchs.
- Kaylea Carter earned her first win in goal for the Monarchs after substituting in for starter Mary Newman at the start of the second half.
- Natalia Marshall-Hewett and Orello both put up a team-high three shots followed by five other Monarchs with two.
NEXT UP
Methodist will travel down the Danville, Virginia on Sunday for a 12 p.m. non-conference game against Averett University.
