Robert Morris rolls past Wright State, 4-1, for first-ever postseason victory

Photo courtesy Justin Berl

Horizon League Women’s Soccer Tournament First Round 

FINAL: Robert Morris 4, Wright State 1

Match Stats 

The Robert Morris women’s soccer program made its Horizon League postseason debut, and they made the most of it, beating Wright State 4-1, staying on the front foot throughout the match on a very rainy, cool afternoon at AHN Montour Junction Soccer Complex.

Leading the way, Kaoru Hayashi and Shauna Gamble each had a goal & two assists; plus other goals from Paloma Swankler & Haleigh Finale

It was a historical first-ever postseason win for the Colonials (12-4-3), as they move on to the Semifinal Round of the Horizon League tournament, as they’re now set to face No. 1 Milwaukee, on Thursday, November 2, at 2 p.m. ET, in Wisconsin.

Gamble picked a heck of a time to net her first career goal, coming in the 21st minute, as she converted on RMU’s corner kick opportunity delivered by Hayashi.

First career goal for Shauna Gamble‼️ #BobbyMo | 🔵⚽️🔴 | #RMUnite #HLWSOC pic.twitter.com/kwkvIUUwka

— RMU Women's Soccer (@RMUWSoccer) October 29, 2023

Wright State responded less than eight minute later, as Kaylin Helinski hit the equalizer.

The Colonials kept coming forward and were on the attack in a match where they created 17 shots, putting 12 on frame, creating another set piece opportunity, this time in the 39th minute, on a free kick sent over from a Hayashi which Gamble kept alive by the far post, then Finale converted to give RMU a 2-1 lead right before the half.

Early in the second half, Paloma Swankler made a well-time run behind the defender, then took a pass from Gamble, to lift the Colonials to a two-goal lead.

Paloma Swankler takes the pass from Shauna Gamble and makes it a 3-1 lead for @RMUWSoccer in #HLWSOC Quarterfinal 2!

📺: https://t.co/pIp6iUEYgy #OurHorizon pic.twitter.com/e5AeKAkXYl

— Horizon League (@HorizonLeague) October 29, 2023

Hayaski completed the scoring, with an unassisted goal in the 68th minute.

It was RMU’s second win this season vs Wright State, who they defeated 4-2 in September.  The Colonials held the edge in shots (17-12, 12-4 on frame), corners (6-3), and forced Wright State into conceding 18 fouls (RMU had 7).

Look for more on this match to come on PSN.