AU remains undefeated in the Patriot League after overpowering Lafayette College 4-0 on Oct. 12.
Initially neither side was able to gain a foothold until AU broke through on their first shot with 26 minutes remaining in the first half. The goal was scored by freshman midfielder Natalie Konerth off a strong solo effort following a scramble.
The game then opened up for the Eagles and they were able to keep the game in front of the Leopards’ goal and create more chances. After seven further shots, AU managed to score two further goals, both by senior midfielder Shelly Montgomery.
The first was off of a penalty corner in the 15th minute of the half, inserted by junior Carly Atchinson. Montgomery was able to convert the shot after a deflection off of Lafayette’s goalie. The second goal by Montgomery came off of a series of three consecutive penalty corners near the end of the half.
“Shelly was outstanding in the deep defense, she really helped us control the ball- she’s always a forward presence,” head coach Steve Jennings said. “She’s a huge force for us in the both the offensive and defensive ends.”
AU’s dominating performance in the first half, outshooting Lafayette by a total of eight shots to one, resulted in a more aggressive Lafayette attack in the second half. This aggression resulted in Lafayette gaining many penalty corners, however, AU’s senior goalie Ashley Dalisera was able to make multiple saves to keep the Leopards out of goal.
This aggressive attack resulted in AU counterattacking, which led to a fourth goal within 10 minutes of the second half when junior Carly Atchinson scored a goal off of a shot from right inside the shooting circle on the left side. At this point in the game AU was able to maintain possession and run out the clock.
The Eagles look to extend their winning streak on Oct. 13 when they will play the No. 1 team in the country, the Maryland Terrapins, at home.
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