Sunday, September 14, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The experience of Western Kentucky (6-0-1), the reigning Sun Belt Champions, proved to be too much for the youthful Belmont women's soccer team (5-3) on the final day of the Mafiaoza's Invitational. The Lady Toppers defeated the Bruins, 2-0, in the first ever meeting between the programs on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams spent the first 10 minutes of the match searching for an offensive rhythm, with lots of back and forth motion on both sides of the field. Western Kentucky fired two shots early but freshman netminder Sari Lin (Carefree, Ariz.) came up with two saves. In the 19th minute, Lin faced off against Amanda Buechel as she dribbled in from the right corner of the box. Lin punched the ball out of the corner against the sidebar of the net for a great save that got a loud reaction from the Bruin fans that traveled to Brentwood. WKU penetrated the Belmont side once again, this time in the 31st minute. Alaina Atcher dribbled to the right side of the box, shooting from 30 yards out to sneak the ball past Lin, putting Western Kentucky on top by one. The Bruins battled back, recording two shots of their own, but where unable to find the equalizer goal before the end of the first half.

After the break, the Bruins worked to equalize time of possession with much more aggressive play. Junior Annie Musacchio (Nashville, Tenn.) fired a shot that narrowly missed the side post in the 70th minute. On the other end of the field, Atcher attempted to net another goal, firing a rocket at Lin, five minutes later. However, she managed a two-handed leaping grab to notch another save. In the last eight minutes of regulation, the Bruins intensified their play, looking to put a dent in the WKU score. However, the Lady Toppers remained strong on both sides of the ball and kept the game out of Belmont's reach.