The No. 4 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team (4-1) began conference play, traveling to Saginaw Valley State University (2-2-1) last Friday. The Lakers’ defense was stout, and the team won 2-0.
Head coach Katelyn Longino aimed to have a quick and high-energy start to their first conference game.
“Today, we were looking to get a fast start and stay consistent with our game intensity for a full 90 minutes,” Longino said. “We scored six minutes into the game, and had some moments of good momentum.”
The Cardinals started the game with a corner kick, but the Lakers held strong, not allowing a shot. GVSU pressured Saginaw Valley in the first few minutes, with junior forward Alli French getting the first shot of the game. Her first shot was saved, but at the six-minute mark, French scored a goal assisted by junior midfielder Sonya Mehta.
French described what she saw while scoring the first goal of the game.
“Mehta didn’t give up on defense, and got the ball back while making a good cross across the box with (sophomore forward Sarah Fromm, who was) running in toward the front post,” said French. “I was there on the back post just in case the ball made it through. I ran through the ball and got us on the board, which was because of great team effort.”
After the goal, the Lakers continued pushing the pressure as Fromm took a shot, but it didn’t end up on-net. The next 25 minutes were very quiet from both teams, as neither school logged a shot or foul.
Near the 32-minute mark, Fromm had another opportunity to score, but her shot was saved by the Cardinals’ goalkeeper. GVSU had a few more shots, including one from freshman forward Ivy Wilhelm that was saved, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime. Once again, the Lakers didn’t allow a shot on-goal at halftime.
It was apparent the Lakers were not satisfied with their 1-0 lead, as they took multiple shots on-goal in the first five minutes of the second half. Freshman midfielder Cora Conley garnered the first shot attempt of the half, which was saved. However, GVSU quickly made up for this save as Mehta scored off of an assist from Conley five minutes into the half.
The Lakers continued to control possession for most of the second half, slowing the game down. Conley had another shot on-goal, which was saved, but persistent pressure restricted the Cardinals’ offense.
GVSU closed its first conference game of the year off strong, winning 2-0. The team outshot Saginaw 12-3, with nine of the Lakers’ shots being on-goal. Once again, the Lakers did not allow a shot on-goal, which is a testament to how dominant their defense is.
French commented on what she thought the Lakers did best against the Cardinals.
“The best parts from today’s game were when we would switch the point of attack quickly and catch them off guard when we overshifted,” French said. “I think we were also very adaptable in terms of formations and game management.”
GVSU returns to action Friday, as the team will travel to Marquette to face a familiar conference foe, Northern Michigan University (1-1-3).
