Creighton University
Weber State
First-Half Goals Push Women's Soccer Past Weber State
9/23/2007 3:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. -- Freshman Emily Orbell scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the eighth minute, as the Creighton women's soccer team defeated Weber State, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at Morrison Stadium. Defensive pressure forced the second goal in the 24th minute, as Weber State's Ashtyn Webster headed in an attempted clear for an own goal. With the win, Creighton improves to 5-3-0, while Weber State falls to 3-4-1.
The Bluejays' first goal was set up on a nice pass from junior Marcy Gans, who split two defenders with the ball to find the Orbell open in the middle of the box. Orbell beat Weber State goalkeeper Deysha Victorine from eight yards out before being taken out by two Wildcat defenders. The assist by Gans is her 23rd career point at Morrison Stadium, setting a new record for career points at the five year old facility.
In the 24th minute, Creighton's defense created a Weber State mistake as the Bluejays sent the ball into the box. The Wildcats' Webster tried to clear the ball, but instead headed in an own goal for Creighton.
The 2-0 halftime score proved to be the final, as both teams were scoreless in the second half. Weber State created more of an offensive attack in the second half, out-shooting the Jays, 9-6, in the period but the Wildcats never seriously threatened the Creighton goal.
Goalkeeper Kristen Casey picked up her third shutout of the season and the seventh of her career at Morrison Stadium, moving her to within one of the career shutouts record at Morrison. Casey recorded three saves to pick up her fifth victory in goal this season. Victorine made five saves in goal for Weber State, as her record drops to 1-2-1.
Gans again led the way offensively, firing a team-high four shots to go with her second assist and 10th point of the season. Orbell's goal is her third of the season, one behind Gans for the team lead, and her first career game winner. Nine different Bluejays attempted shots in the match, including two by freshman Claire Zach off the bench.
Creighton was out-shot in the match, 15-13, but the Jays had more quality scoring opportunities as they held an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal.
"I was very happy with how hard we came out and played," said head coach Bruce Erickson. "The second goal was a result of the pressure we caused."
"Depth was a factor for us in the game," said Erickson. Creighton played a total of 20 players in the match and the Wildcats were playing their third match in six days. "I'm extremely pleased overall with our effort today."
Creighton will hit the road next weekend for a pair of matches in the state of Arizona. The Jays will take on Arizona at 9 p.m. central time on Friday, Sept. 28, and Arizona State at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30.
