Juliet Esnardo had a goal and an assist, and the VMI defense held the Francis Marion Patriots to one shot on goal en route to a 3-0 win in women’s soccer action Sunday afternoon at VMI’s Patchin Field. With the win, VMI (4-5) won back to back matches for the first time since Sept. of 2013.
Esnardo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when she took a long cross-field pass from Olivia Cotton and scored with a quick touch past FMU (2-9) goalie Taylor O’Berry. She then added an assist to Eryn Daman in the 24th minute and Liz Nickerson capped the scoring in the 36th minute.
The Keydets finished the day with a 20-7 edge in shots and an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.
After Esnardo opened the scoring in the 15th minute with her first career goal, she helped the Keydets add on in the 24th. She played the ball across the box to Daman, who took a quick touch near O’Berry and two FMU defenders. There appeared to be a breakdown and the Daman touch leaked through all three players for a goal, and a 2-0 VMI lead. It was Daman’s second goal of the season.
VMI tacked on a third goal in the 36th minute to account for the final margin. Sydnie Bligh found Liz Nickerson for a top shelf shot from 15 yards out to make it a 3-0 game. It was Nickerson’s first career goal in just the second match since the career goalkeeper began to see time as an offensive midfielder.
Defensively, Darien Dunham had the lone Keydet save of the day for VMI as the Keydets did not allow a goal in either match of the weekend. Casey Murakami, who relieved O’Berry in the 26th minute, was credited with three saves for FMU.
At the conclusion of the day, the all-tournament team was named and Olivia Cotton was voted the Offensive MVP. Keniya Lee earned Defensive MVP honors and Sydnie Bligh was also recognized with all-tournament laurels.
Presbyterian defeated Hampton 10-0 in the day’s early match, giving both Francis Marion and PC 1-1 records for the weekend. Senior goalkeeper Sydney Fontenot saw time in the field and had a goal and an assist for the Blue Hose.
VMI women’s soccer will return to action Friday, as the Keydets play host to the ETSU Bucs at Patchin Field. Action is set for 4 p.m.
All-Tournament Team
Offensive MVP: Olivia Cotton, VMI
Defensive MVP: Keniya Lee, VMI
Sydnie Bligh, VMI
Janise Finney, Francis Marion
Tori Whigham, Francis Marion
Shanice Jackson, Hampton
Maya Bouyer, Hampton
Latrice Montgomery, Hampton
Sydney Fontenot, PC
Megan Archer, PC
Sophie Cobb, PC
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