New faces help Robert Morris capture 2-0 season opening win

Photo courtesy Justin Berl/Robert Morris University

FINAL: Robert Morris 2, VMI 0

Game Stats

From Robert Morris University Athletic Department report 

For the first time since 2018, the Robert Morris University women’s soccer team captured its season opener with a 2-0 non-conference victory over VMI at the North Athletic Complex on Thursday afternoon.

“I was pleased with the result today. We got some great performances from some new faces which provided us with much more depth then we have had previously,” Head coach Chris Shaw said. “VMI gave us some issues in the first half, but we were able to make a few changes in the second half which allowed us to gain more control. Overall, we are pleased to start the season with a win.”

An absolutely beautiful afternoon on the pitch to kickoff the season! 1st win for @RMUWSoccer & also the 1st W for any @RMUAthletics team in ‘22-‘23! #letsgobobbymo https://t.co/UBVxhJMYQe

— Rob Goodman (@robgoodman07) August 18, 2022

With the victory, the Colonials improve to 1-0-0 on the year, while the Keydets fall to 0-1-0.

Robert Morris took an early 1-0 lead in the 29th minute as senior Sheridan Reid took a pass from freshman Renae Mohrbacher inside the box and fired a low strike to the right side of the net. After a shot by junior Haleigh Finale, Robert Morris was able to maintain the lead through the remainder of the first half while VMI tallied two shots and a corner kick before the break.

In the second half, the Colonials extended its lead just 90 seconds in as senior Gabriella Lecuona was able to beat the goaltender to the right side of the net, to give Robert Morris a 2-0 lead. The Colonials continued to dominate the second half as they recorded six shots and three corner kicks in a span on 13 minutes.

Later in the period, the Keydets threatened three straight times as they tallied three consecutive shots, all saved by redshirt senior Isabella Bohlen.

SCORING PLAYS
29′ – Reid, Assist: Mohrbacher
46′ – Lecuona

QUICK HITS
Reid and Lecuona each scored their first goals of the season … Mohrbacher recorded her first collegiate assist … Bohlen collected four saves on eight shots faced, while tallying her fourth-career shutout … RMU held a 16-8 shot advantage

NEXT UP
Robert Morris returns to action on Sunday, August 21, when it hosts Saint Francis for a non-conference contest at 1 p.m.