Women's soccer team beats Xavier, improves to 1-1 in conference

Senior Jessie Wolfe scored two goals and had an assist for the University of Richmond women's soccer team Sunday afternoon at First Market Stadium, carrying the team to a 3-1 win against Xavier University.

Freshman Kat Russell scored the first goal of her collegiate career and gave the Spiders a 1-0 lead during the 18th minute of play. The goal was set up by a cross pass from Wolfe, giving her a second assist this year. Wolfe added two goals during the second half, raising her goal total to three this season.

The first goal by Wolfe gave the Spiders a 2-0 lead in the 49th minute and was assisted by junior Carter Blair, who got the ball after a Richmond corner kick.

The second goal for Wolfe came in the 58th minute. Wolfe got a pass from freshman Bridget Kinealy, but Xavier junior goalie Kelly Farrell came out to challenge Wolfe, who nevertheless was able to get the ball over Farrell and into the goal after her shot hit a sliding Xavier defender.

Wolfe changed positions before the game, and the move dramatically changed the outcome.

"I usually play center-mid, but I moved up top [to forward] today to generate more offense," Wolfe said.

The Spiders had 14 shots against Xavier, eight of which were on goal. Richmond had 11 more opportunities negated by offside calls.

"[The offsides] were a good sign," Richmond coach Peter Albright said. "It means we created chances. We were a little bit eager and impatient."

The defense was as strong as the offense. In the first 45 minutes, the Musketeers were only able to shoot once, which required a save by Richmond freshman goalie Andrea Young. During the second half, the Musketeers had eight shots, four on goal.

The lone Xavier score came late during the game with substitutes making up a majority of the Spiders on the field. Senior Sara Schmidt scored for the Musketeers off a corner kick, with sophomore Kaitlyn McGoldrick assisting. The goal counted against the backup Richmond goalie, freshman Melissa Pacheco.

The win by Richmond improved its record to 7-2-1 and 1-1-0 in Atlantic 10 conference play, while the Musketeers fell to 1-8-1. Richmond lost its opening A-10 game Friday night at Dayton 1-0.

"The Friday through Sunday A-10 schedule is tough for everyone," Albright said. "We want to be the best Sunday team. We need seven wins [in conference] to get into the A-10 tourney. We needed this game."

The Spiders will try to take another step towards an A-10 tournament berth by taking on University of Rhode Island at home at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at First Market Stadium.

Contact staff writer Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu