Tweet

By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
September 13, 2009

BOX SCORE

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A counter attack from Dartmouth propelled the Big Green past No. 12 West Virginia, 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

Dartmouth scored at the 56:04 mark when midfielder Kelsey Quick took the ball up the right flank before a charging Nicole Mailloux chased her down. Quick dumped the ball into the middle where midfielder Aly O’Dea was left one-on-one with goalkeeper Kerri Butler. O’Dea slotted a ball on the ground inside the left corner for the 1-0 lead.

West Virginia played well in the first half, with seven different Mountaineers taking a shot in the opening 45 minutes.

The Big Green came out strong in the second half, however, attempting six shots, including the game-winner to win the Virginia NIKE Soccer Classic. Dartmouth defeated Seton Hall on Friday, 1-0, in double overtime.

WVU had several scoring chances but came up empty on all 14 attempts. Sophomore Blake Miller took a game-best four shots on the day.

The Mountaineers dominated first half play, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities.

West Virginia forced a scramble in the box off a corner kick in the 17th minute with shots from midfielder Carolyn Blank and forward Miller. Dartmouth goalkeeper Colleen Hogan again came up with two point-blank saves to preserve a scoreless first half.

Midfielder Ashtin Larkin checked in the 31st minute to provide a spark offensively. Mailloux served a direct kick to the far side where Larkin blasted a shot at the post, forcing Hogan to make another save.

Just before halftime, the Mountaineers had a fine chance in 44th minute when forward Sydney Metheny sent a ball across the middle to midfielder Heather Saffel. Saffel one-timed the ball high over the crossbar for eighth shot of the half.

Dartmouth maintained the momentum following its score, holding off the Mountaineer attack which registered six shots and three corner kicks in the second half.

Blank, the 2008 BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year, Butler and forward Bry McCarthy each were named to the all-tournament team for their efforts over the weekend.

West Virginia falls to 2-2-3 on the season while Dartmouth goes to 3-1-0.

The Mountaineers return to action with their BIG EAST opener at Pitt on Friday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m. at Founders Field.