Wittenberg Shuts Down Allegheny, 1-0
Things went pretty much according to plan Saturday night in Edwards-Maurer Field. The Wittenberg Tigers followed a familiar script, controlling the action in the midfield to minimize Allegheny's offensive opportunities and making a second-half goal stand up in a 1-0 win.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Things went pretty much according to plan Saturday night in Edwards-Maurer Field. The Wittenberg Tigers followed a familiar script, controlling the action in the midfield to minimize Allegheny's offensive opportunities and making a second-half goal stand up in a 1-0 win.
The Tigers improved to 12-3 overall and, more importantly, 3-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Coming off a gut-wrenching 2-1 double overtime loss at Kenyon on Tuesday, this was the closest thing to a must-win Wittenberg has had all season and the Tigers responded with a solid performance.
Sophomore forward Sydney Bates scored the game's lone goal with 25:49 remaining in the game, running onto a long pass by junior defensive back Jamie McIntyre and one-touching the ball into the Gators' goal. Bates had the only three shots on goal for either team in the entire game. Overall, Wittenberg was credited with eight shots, three on goal, and Allegheny posted a measly three shots, no directed on goal.
As a result, Tiger goalkeeper Meghan O'Rourke did not make a save in the game, although she was tested on several crosses and a late Allegheny corner kick. The Gators picked up a pair of saves from goalie Beth Van Parys, one of which came from point-blank range against Bates late in the second half after the Tiger player once again got behind the Allegheny defense in the penalty box.