West Virginia women’s soccer opened their season on Thursday night, and they did not get the result they envisioned, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
After a disappointing 2021 season, the Mountaineers were eager to get on the field. Unfortunately for them, they could not convert their few chances, but their defense was strong enough to force a draw.
“I thought Indiana came out with a great gameplan and unfortunately we didn’t have urgency until the 70thminute,” West Virginia head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said.
The Mountaineers led Indiana in total shots, out-shooting the Hoosiers 12-3. West Virginia had multiple chances late, but were ultimately unable to convert.
In the 74th minute, West Virginia’s Chloe Adler had a breakaway chance, but ended up passing the ball back-and-forth before the Indiana goalkeeper was able to spoil the chance. Minutes later, it was Aaliyah Scott who had a wide open net after a crossing pass, but was unable to finish, sailing the ball over the net.
“We want Chloe Adler to take that shot, you don’t want to give and go inside the six,” Izzo-Brown said of Adler’s chance. “Aaliyah Scott being a senior, has to bury that one. She extended her run, made the effort. Those two probably I’d like to get back. I think those two are two goals.”
The Mountaineers led the total possession of the game 62% to 38%, and also had three more shots on goal than Indiana. In the end though, both teams came up empty handed.
“It’s great we’re creating chances, it’s great we won possession, but at the end of the game you’ve got to win the scoreboard. So, I know we’re disappointed and I told the team I’m excited for tomorrow to see the mindset and how we respond,” Izzo-Brown said.
The Mountaineers will not have a long break before their next match, as they are set to host Saint Joseph’s on Sunday at 1 p.m.
“I absolutely look forward to Sunday and turning that around and getting back out here,” Izzo-Brown said.
Photo by Wesley Shoemaker, Blue Gold Sports
