College of Charleston
Kennesaw State
Women?s Soccer Wins Third Straight To Open Charleston Cup
9/5/2015 3:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Behind two goals from freshmen defender Raymara Barreto (Mt. Pleasant, S.C), the College of Charleston women's soccer team defeated Kennesaw State, 3-1, Friday evening at Patriots Point.
“I thought we really dominated the ball from the outside. Our composure and purpose with the ball tonight was outstanding, especially in the first half. I was very comfortable with the way we were playing. I think overall we had a great match but we did lose our composure a little bit in the second half. A lot of that had to do with the pressure they brought out to us in the second half but I'm really happy with the way we are playing right now and certainly happy with a 3-1 win.” – Head Coach Christian Michner's thoughts on tonight's victory
Barreto, in her first start of the season, netted her first goal just eight minutes into the match after she bicycle kicked a cross from Laura Ortega (Madrid, Spain) to take the early lead. Ortega has now assisted on goals in two straight games.
“The first goal Raymara scored was typical Raymara Barreto. She likes to try things that certain players won't and she possesses the creativity and ability to score those types of goals. For her to get two goals in her first start as a Cougar is very special. We are really happy with her progress and excited for more from her in the future.” – Michner on Barreto's performance
CofC got back on the attack in the 25th minute when midfielder Sarah Blakely played a ball through the Owl defense to freshmen forward Jessica Schifer (Aiken, S.C.) for her second goal of the season. Schifer was named CAA Rookie of the Week for her performance last weekend that included a game-winner in overtime against VCU.
The Owls responded in the 31st minute after a scrum off of a corner kick from Hannah Churchill. Maggie Gaughan collected a rebound off of a shot from Carly Pressgrove and put in the back of the net to cut the CofC lead to 2-1.
“I think tonight we approached the game with a lot of confidence as a team. We had a great game plan set up for Kennesaw State and I think we really executed that by putting the ball in the back of the net tonight. We need to take this momentum into Sunday and take each game one at a time.” – Raymara Barreto on tonight's victory
The College switched goalkeepers, as it has every game this season at halftime, with Lauren Killian getting the nod in the second period. A strong performance from the Cougar defense along side two saves from Killian shutout the Owls in the second half.
Barreto added an insurance goal in the 81st minute off of an assist from sophomore Mary Kate Bowers to seal the win for the Cougars.
“The beauty of having a large roster is we should have players relatively fresh still for Sunday. We know we will be playing Fordham for the championship of the Charleston Cup so always stepping out to win a title should be motivation enough for the players. We know we have our work cut out for us against Fordham but I have a really motivated and focused group right now.” – Michner on Sunday's matchup against Fordham
CofC will round out Charleston Cup play at Patriots Point on Sunday against Fordham at 1 p.m.
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