Aug 23, 2013

Box Score

WASHINGTON – Rookie MacKenzie Cowley found the back of an open net in the 72^nd minute of action to lift the George Washington women’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over local foe American in its 2013 opener on Friday evening at the Eagles’ Reeves Field.

Cowley’s first collegiate goal came in perfect fashion as she broke a scoreless tie at 71:57 to help the Colonials secure a season opening victory for the first time since 2009. The Sea Grit, N.J., native and junior Nicole Belfonti each fired a team-high two shots for the Buff and Blue, and senior goalkeeper Nicole Ulrick made three saves on the day.

At 71:45 senior Jane Wallis set up a corner kick and sent a short pass to sophomore Kristi Abbate, whose immediate shot bounced off of the right post and found Cowley at the penalty kick marker. Cowley collected the deflection with her chest and rolled the ball into the center of an open net to score the gamewinner.

After trailing American in shots, 3-2, at the halftime break, GW put on a furious offensive attack in the second frame. The Colonials held a 5-0 shots advantage when the Eagles mustered their lone attempt of the half with just1:12 left to play.

Belfonti nearly snapped the scoring drought at the 68:17 mark when she fired a bullet to the top of the net, but American goalkeeper Charlene Belanger leapt and deflected the ball over the goal with her fingertips.

Overall, GW out-shot American, 7-4, and held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. The Eagles’ Belanger made one save in goal.

GW opens its home slate when it welcomes District rival Georgetown and St. Francis (Pa.) next weekend for the second annual D.C. Invitational. Kick-off between the Colonials and the Hoyas at the GW Soccer Field on the Mount Vernon Campus is slated for Friday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.