Syracuse University
William & Mary
Tribe Edges Orange in Season Opener
8/20/2010 10:07:56 PM | Women's Soccer
Box Score
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Syracuse lost a 1-0 decision at William & Mary in the season opener for both teams on Friday, August 20 in Williamsburg, Va.
The Tribe (1-0) scored the only goal of the game in the 41st minute when Danielle Axenfeld headed the ball into the top left corner of the goal off an assist from Audrey Barry.
The Orange (0-1) dominated the second half, outshooting William & Mary, 6-2, but couldn't find the back of the net for the equalizer. Syracuse had a chance to tie the score when it was awarded a penalty kick in the 73rd minute. But sophomore Tina Romagnuolo's shot was stopped by Tribe goalkeeper Katherine Yount as William & Mary went on to the 1-0 victory.
“We had an excellent performance tonight,” said Syracuse head coach Phil Wheddon. “We dominated the second half. It's tough to walk away with this result. We had opportunities to score.”
The Orange outshot William & Mary, 8-7, while the Tribe held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. In her collegiate debut, Syracuse sophomore Erin Quinlan recorded three saves in her first career start. Her save in the 88th minute kept Syracuse within striking distance. The Orange was playing with three in the back, pushing forward to create an offensive opportunity, when William & Mary broke down the defense and had a breakaway scoring opportunity. Quinlan's save on a shot by Barry kept the score at 1-0.
“Erin is a young player who was playing in her first collegiate game,” Wheddon said. “She played well. She was a little nervous in the first half but settled down in the second half.”
Syracuse is back in action on Sunday when it plays at James Madison at 1 p.m.
