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Robert Morris women’s soccer identity starting to take shape in 1-0 Senior Day win vs Akron

From Robert Morris University Athletic Department Report

Robert Morris women’s soccer team celebrated Senior Day with a 1-0 victory over Akron on Sunday afternoon at the North Athletic Complex.

The Colonials earned their first home win of the season and improved to 2-3-1 overall, on the strength of a brilliant strike from Madison Sievering in notching the match’s lone goal.

“Every year you have to rediscover who you are as a team, and I think we’re starting to see our identity take shape,” Michelle Rick, said after the win.

“Today, we were connected on both sides of the ball, disciplined on defense, went to work for 90 minutes and scored a great goal. It was a special performance and a great way to celebrate our seniors. Always building, never finished.”

How It Happened

FIRST HALF

Through the opening 30 minutes, the action remained primarily in the midfield as both teams battled from box to box without producing many dangerous chances.

That changed in the 31st minute when senior forward Madison Sievering received a pass from Alyssa Mella and unleashed a shot from distance. The attempt ripped off the post and into the back of the net, giving the Colonials a 1-0 advantage.

RMU’s defense continued to hold strong through the remainder of the opening half, keeping Akron without a shot. Despite the Zips controlling 60 percent of possession, the Colonials’ backline, led by senior captain Shauna Gamble, prevented Akron from generating any dangerous opportunities in the final third.

SECOND HALF

Holding onto their one-goal advantage, the Colonials battled through the final 45 minutes and continued to put together a strong defensive performance.

Akron recorded six shots in the second half, but none found the target as goalkeeper Emma Cameron was not forced to make a save throughout the match.

On the offensive end, Julia Becerra and Ava Trethewey each came close to extending the Colonials’ lead with attempts that went just wide of the net.

RMU’s defense held firm until the final whistle, securing the 1-0 victory and sending the Colonials to their first home win of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

  • RMU recorded eight shots, including three on target, while Akron finished with six shots and none on target.
  • Akron earned two corner kicks, while RMU had one.
  • The Zips were called for nine fouls, compared to seven for the Colonials. Neither team received a yellow card.
  • Shauna Gamble, Bailey Campbell, Alyssa Mella and Julia Becerra each played all 90 minutes for RMU.

ANOTHER SHUTOUT
For the second consecutive game, the Colonials held their opponent scoreless. Cameron recorded her second shutout of the season and the sixth of her career. RMU has now posted a shutout streak of 131 consecutive minutes and did not allow a single Akron shot to reach the target.

The Colonials last held an opponent without a shot on target exactly 364 days ago, when RMU played Saint Francis to a 0-0 draw.

SENIOR DAY HERO
Cincinnati, Ohio native Madison Sievering delivered the game-winning moment on Senior Day, scoring her first game-winning goal of the season and the second of her career.

Sievering now leads the Colonials with five points this season on two goals and one assist. Over her four-year career, she has recorded 11 goals and 11 assists.

UP NEXT

RMU will wrap up its four-game homestand on Thursday, September 10, hosting UMBC at 4:00 PM at the North Athletic Complex. The contest will serve as the Colonials’ final non-conference game of the season and will stream live on ESPN+.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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