Rutgers
James Madison
Rutgers Defeats JMU in Season Opener 3-1
Aug 26 | Women's Soccer
HARRISONBURG, VA - The Rutgers women's soccer team kicked off the 2006 season with a 3-1 win over James Madison University at the JMU/Comfort Inn Invitational on Aug.25.
"I feel great about starting the season this way," said head coach Glenn Crooks. "JMU is a great team and I feel a little bad for [head coach Dave Lombardo] because they're a little banged up right now from injuries. They lack some of the depth we have and I think that was a factor tonight. Regardless, it's a great win and a great way to get started by beating a good regional opponent."
The Dukes struck first, as Jess Remmes scored a goal in the 16th minute to give James Madison a 1-0 lead Rutgers didn't back down, scoring a goal of its own in the 35th minute. In her first collegiate start, Karla Schacher (Tolfield, Alberta) scored the game-tying goal off an Amanda Allessio (Langhorne, PA) assist, giving the Scarlet Knights momentum heading into halftime.
"One of the reasons we recruited Karla was because we knew she could score goals," Crooks said. "I'm not going to be shocked if she puts in a few. The thing I notice about her is that, in the box, where so much happens, she's an accurate finisher. I'm really happy for her [scoring in her first collegiate game]; Amanda did a great job of setting her up. "
Following the break, Rutgers put pressure on James Madison, scoring again in the 52nd minute. Jaime Komar (Matawan, NJ) fed Kristie Lang (East Brunswick, NJ) about six yards in front of the goal and she flicked the ball over her shoulder past the goalkeeper to give the Scarlet Knights the lead.
Alicia Hall (Port Republic, NJ) gave the Scarlet Knights a 3-1 advantage in the 61st minute off an assist from Meghan Ryan (Crofton, MD). From around 35 yards out, Ryan nailed a free kick into traffic and Hall came up with the loose ball for Rutgers.
Crooks was pleased with the offensive effort'in addition to goals by Lang and Hall in the second half, the Scarlet Knights had two goals called back.
"We really came out in the second half and controlled the flow of the game," Crooks said. "I thought the first half was a little disappointing, although trailing 1-0 and being able to come back and tie the game was huge for us. We could do a lot better and the team just got it together. It was very impressive."
In goal for the Scarlet Knights Erin Guthrie (Sparta, NJ) posted four saves in her first collegiate start. Rutgers' back line of Kim Brandao (Rahway), Nina Montero (Vineland), Ryan and Komar held the Dukes to 11 shots in the game.
Rutgers will face Richmond on Sunday, Aug. 27, in its second game of the JMU/Comfort Inn Invitational. Game time is set for 11:00 a.m.
Rutgers 3, James Madison 1
Women's Soccer JMU/Comfort Inn Invitational
Friday, Aug. 25; JMU Soccer Complex; Harrisonburg, VA
James Madison 101
Rutgers 123
Shots: JMU 11, RU 17. Saves: JMU 3 (Missy Reimert 3), RU 4 (Erin Guthrie 4). Fouls: JMU 7, RU 9. Corner Kicks: JMU 3, RU 5. Offsides: JMU 3, RU 8. Cards: JMU 0, RU 1 (Becky Wise 15:49).
Time Team GoalAssist
15:31 JMU Jess RemmesSarah Cebulski, Natalie Ewell
34:18 RU Karla SchacherAmanda Allessio
51:34 RU Kristie LangJaime Komar
60:50 RU Alicia Hall Meghan Ryan
