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Late Goals By Bulldogs Produce Third Straight Win
Sept. 25, 2009
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Two late goals propelled Gonzaga University to a 2-0 win over the University of Wyoming at the Uni Wyo Cowgirl Classic in Laramie, Wyo. Friday afternoon. Emma Dolcetti put in the match-winner with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation before Jessie Sorenson also added a late goal to preserve Gonzaga's third straight win. The Zags used their second consecutive combined shutout by Jessie Thalman and Amy Danielson to improve to 6-3-0 on the season while the Cowgirls saw their record slip to 4-4-2. "We came out played a tremendous second half after a lackluster first half," commented head coach Amy Edwards. "Give credit to our team to come on the road and get a win against a very tough and physical Wyoming team." It was Wyoming that held the advantage throughout the first half but Thalman, the Bulldogs starting keeper and Zags defense held strong against the Cowgirls offensive pressure. Wyoming held possession throughout most of the first 45 minutes forcing Thalman to make one save before the teams went into the half with zeros on the board. The second half saw the Bulldogs dial up the intensity on both sides of the ball as they returned to playing the pressuring style of play they have become accustomed to. Minutes after Sheridan Jones had her shot from the right 18 miss wide, Danielson, who started the second half in goal and finished with two saves, made a play that both saved the match for the Zags and also ignited the GU offense.
The Cowgirls were awarded a free kick from just outside the 18 yard box along the right side. Emily Layton took the shot that was headed towards the top corner of the goal but Danielson made a leap that allowed her to tip the ball off the crossbar before a Wyoming follow up attempt went wide to keep the match scoreless with 20 minutes remaining. "Amy's play late in the match was spectacular today," commented Edwards "That save off of the free kick changed the game." Danielson's play seemed to boost the Bulldogs energy on the offensive end. With time ticking down, Christi D'Agostino took a corner kick for GU, sending the ball into the keeper box that Dolcetti was able to get to and head in for the score at the 83:24 mark. Just minutes later the Zags put the match out of reach as Sorenson took a chip pass from Ashley Riley and was able to volley one past the Wyoming keeper to give GU a 2-0 lead at 86:25. "Christi gave us a great corner as Emma powered through the box and made a good shot on our first goal," said Edwards. "On the second goal, Jessie tucked it away and went one-on-one with the keeper before finishing very nicely." The Bulldogs were outshot 11-9 on the day but were able to come away with the victory on the first of seven consecutive road matches despite being whistled for 15 fouls to Wyoming's four. "It was a good win today and now we have to recover and get ready for Boise State on Sunday," commented Edwards. "It always feels much better going into Sunday's match after winning on Friday." The Bulldogs will wrap up play at the Uni Wyo Cowgirl Classic against Boise State University 10 a.m. Sunday. |
