Red-hot Robert Morris step up in second half, overtake Cleveland State, 2-1

Robert Morris University women’s soccer team picked up another conference win on the road, beating Cleveland State, 2-1. The Colonials are now 10-2-3 overall on the season and are 4-2-1 in conference play. The Vikings fall to 3-9-3 overall in 2023 and are 0-5-3 in the Horizon League.

Across the past four games, the Colonials are undefeated, posting a 3-0-1 record, all in Horizon League conference games.

“We’re super proud of the team tonight. They battled back after being a goal down and on the road too which isn’t easy,” Chris Shaw, Robert Morris Head Coach said.

“This team has heart and really stepped it up in the second half to earn a result. Tonight was a complete team effort and every player contributed.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

It didn’t take long for the action to start at Cleveland. The game opened up early on as the Colonials hit three shots within the first eight minutes of play.

Sophomore Malia Kearns and senior Haleigh Finale both recorded shots on goal around the 10-minute mark but saves were made.

Going the other way, Cleveland State was awarded a penalty kick opportunity after Erica Leinweber’s shot hit the hand of an RMU defender.

Looking to strike early in the 12^th minute, Kathryn Ramicone stepped up to the penalty spot, shooting low to the right corner. Goalkeeper Brenna Murray judged it perfectly, making a crucial save.

Murray stood tall, making another save a minute later, but in the 30^th minute, the home side got the goal they were looking for. Murray made a stop on the right post and as the ball rebounded in the box, CSU’s Erica Leinweber knocked it into the net.

RMU went on the pursuit to tie the game for the remainder of the half, posting four shots and earning two corner kicks. After 45 minutes of play, CSU still held the lead.

10 minutes into the second half, the Colonials got their goal.

Haleigh Finale dribbling down the right wing hit a shot on target, going through the keeper’s legs and into the net, tying the game up, 1-1.

Just five minutes later, senior Kaoru Hayashi landed a pass into space for freshman Shauna Gamble to run onto. Gamble crossed it into the box, finding the feet of Elisa Corvalan. She flicked a touch over the leg of a defender and while sliding, landed her shot into the net to give RMU a 2-1 lead.

60’ – CORVALAN GIVES US THE LEAD‼️ #BobbyMo | 🔵⚽️🔴 | #RMUnite #HLWSOC pic.twitter.com/QzBK60acGq

— RMU Women's Soccer (@RMUWSoccer) October 13, 2023

As the game moved along with just under 30 minutes to go, RMU stayed together as a unit, shutting down the Vikings offense.

In the 78^th minute, Finale on the counterattack almost scored a brace. She dribbled by a Cleveland State defender and past the keeper approaching the top of the box. Finale hit the left post, almost sealing the deal on the game.

The two goals were all RMU needed, as the Vikings weren’t able to post one more shot on goal for the rest of the night. Murray made four saves including a clutch stop on the penalty kick early on to help RMU win, 2-1.