Box Score Box Score
LEXINGTON, VA – Winthrop allowed two first half goals and never recovered as it fell 3-0 to VMI on Wednesday evening at Patchin Field, in Big South Conference women's soccer action.
The Eagles record drops to 4-6 overall and 0-2 in the conference, while VMI improves to 5-5 overall and 2-0 in the conference.
VMI took an early lead in the 10th minute when Amanda Berrios took a through pass from Megan Strand and dribbled to the top of the goal box in front of the charging Dimi Poulos. Berrios took a sliding shot placing the ball past Poulos and into the net for the early lead.
A. J. Baker would put the Keydets ahead 2-0 in the 43rd minute when Alexi Staton received a pass from Kathleen Underwood and crossed the ball to Baker, who took a shot from the top of the goal box past the diving Poulos.
Winthrop would fall behind 3-0 in the 56th minute after Chrissy Beach ran past a Winthrop defender and received a pass from Celine Ziobro for a one-on-one opportunity. Poulos came out of the box to challenge, but Beach slid the shot past her for the goal.
The Eagles had two opportunities to put points on the scoreboard against VMI, one in each half, but could not take advantage of them. Brittany Soto had a chance in the 29th minute to tie the game, but her shot just barely went past the left post. Andrea McMaster's shot in the 70th minute came from just outside the 18-yard box, but would go high.
Winthrop could never get on track offensively despite outshooting the Keydets in both shots and shots on goal. Winthrop took a total of 18 shots with seven attempts on goal, while the VMI had nine shots with five going on target. Soto led the Eagles with a total of three shots.
“We chose not to work hard or show up today,” said head coach Melissa Heinz. “It was the worst lack of effort I have seen from the players. We have to make sure we never do that again. We cannot let one disappointed effort defeat us though. We will now get ready to play High Point on Saturday. VMI impressed me and they really did some good things today.”
Goalie Heidi Beemer grabbed a total of seven saves against Winthrop, while Poulos snagged two saves.
The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 4 as they travel to take on High Point at 7 p.m. in Big South Conference action.
