DAYTON (OH) -- Mandi Back's second half goal provided the only scoring in a Friday afternoon matinée as the Dayton Flyers up-ended the University of
Richmond 1-0 before 450 fans at Baujan Field. UD improves to 7-3-0 (1-0) while Richmond falls to 6-2-1 (0-1).
The unusual starting time was predicated on a doubleheader with the Flyer men, the first and only double dip of the home schedule. The Spiders came into the match sporting their best start in program history, but feasted predominately on creampuffs to get there. Despite UD's far tougher non-conference schedule however, the start of the match was very competitive throughout.
Both sides knocked the ball around and played physical soccer for the first 20 minutes. Aggressive tackling and shoulder charges kept both teams off balance as defense won much of the play early on. Where UD had better possession in the midfield and looked more often for target players going forward, Richmond responded with a little more physicality to counter a lack of individual skills and ability. Still, the Flyers had more chances on goal and as the first half continued, UD appeared ready to cash in. Several free kicks and corner kicks gave Dayton an opportunity to get players in the box and find the back of the net, but set pieces continued to frustrate both coaches, players, and fans alike as Richmond turned those chances away.
Defensively, the UD back line responded in-kind with solid play of their own. Leading the organization was center back Kelsey Miller, the talented freshman who is turning into a quick study at the college level. In goal, senior Deana Waintraub was tested on one flurry when a Spider cross from the right side rolled along the crossbar and back into play. The carom resulted in another shot that kissed off the crossbar and out of play. Aside from that, UR had trouble creating enough space to get off quality shots at the net. By halftime, Dayton owned a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal and a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
The back-and-forth action that characterized the run of play in the first half ended up one-sided in the second half as Dayton tightened the clamps. More loose balls found the hustling feet of Flyer players as UD pushed forward and pinned Richmond into a defensive posture for much of the latter 45 minutes of the match. The Spiders lacked the individual skills to work the ball out of the back line once they turned UD chances away, relegating their side to more of the same once Dayton regained possession -- in most cases near midfield.
Hustle made all the difference in the 53rd minute as Lauren MacCormick busted tail to snag a loose ball ready to roll over the end line that Spider defenders gave up on. MacCormick pitched a cross to the six yard line where Mandi Back was there to dig it out among a half dozen bodies and slot it past Richmond goalkeeper Andrea Young.
Up 1-0, Dayton kept the pedal down. They generated more quality scoring chances and could have easily made the score 2-0 or 3-0 with a bit of luck. Up just a goal however, Richmond hung in there just enough to aggravate and keep the match in doubt. The Spiders also became more physical when their own play deteriorated. Looking annoyed at the lack of ball possession, Richmond's step-slow approach resulted in more pushing and grabbing that resulted in frustration fouls as the clock continued to run. Dayton salted away the remaining minutes to secure the important victory to open the A10 schedule.
For the match, UD outshot Richmond 21-4 including a commanding 11-2 advantage in shots on goal. Corner kicks also favored Dayton 9-4.
It was a solid effort all around for the re-surging Flyers. MacCormick had a strong game in the attack and Amanda Gallow stepped up with nice runs along the right side. Senior Stephanie Wurth got a start in the back line and alongside freshmen Emily Kenyon, Kathleen Beljan, and the aforementioned Miller, helped the young but improving defense secure another shutout. Solid teamwork and communication was evident on a number of occasions in all parts of the field. While things are certainly still a work in progress, coaches and players have to be pleased with the good soccer ideas and solid hustle that earned the victory.
Dayton grabs a flight to Philadelphia for a Sunday afternoon match against St. Joseph's.
Flyers Win A10 Opener 1-0 over Spiders
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