The Swarthmore Women played their second match of the Trip on Tuesday night versus another local women's club, U.E. VIC. The match was an exciting and high scoring one, with the Garnet coming out with a 4-1 margin.
In the first half, the Garnet women took control quickly, asserting a physical presence on the field and maintaining the majority of possession. In the 7th minute, Swarthmore had its first scoring chance on a long shot from Elyse Tierney. The shot came from wide, well outside the 18 yard box, and it hit the cross bar. The rebound fell just out of Emma Sindelar's reach, and was cleared by the VIC defense.
The VIC offense had an attacking chance on a counter in the 11th minute, but the shot was easily handled by Garnet keeper, Caela Long. In the 12th minute, the Garnet attacked again, with Caroline Khanna chasing down a ball played in behind and blocking the VIC keeper's attempted clearance. The Garnet was unable to convert on the rebound, but they maintained momentum. Moments later, another shot from Mele Johnson hit again off the cross bar.
Then, in the 17th minute, the Swarthmore women found the back of the net. Ellen Bachmanhuff skillfully finished a corner played by Melissa Trofa. The kick was served beautifully by Trofa, flicked on by Rehanna Omardeen, and then finished by Bachmanhuff to put the Garnet ahead 1-0.
Swarthmore continued to place heavy offensive pressure on the opposing squad as the half continued. Balls played in behind the line of defense created dangerous scoring opportunities, and several crosses were played in front of the VIC goal. In the 20th minute, Omardeen notched another for the Garnet off a ball played from Johnson. Johnson touched the ball around a defender and played a precise pass across to Omardeen, who was open outside the six yard box for a finessed finish past the VIC goalkeeper. Garnet 2, VIC 0.
Later in the half (31st minute), the Garnet conceded a free kick in the middle of the field outside the 18 yard box. A VIC midfielder stepped up, firing a well placed shot on frame from distance. The ball tucked just under the cross bar and out of Long's reach to get the VIC women on the scoreboard before the half. The Swarthmore women again came back down the field, however, creating yet another opportunity. Justine Albers made a great run in behind, touching the ball past the keeper and hitting the post with the attempted finish. The half finished, Garnet 2, VIC 1.
In the second half, the VIC women put a higher level of pressure on the Garnet, forcing them to work harder to maintain possession of the ball. The Swarthmore women were up to the challenge, however, putting two more goals on the scoreboard before the final whistle. Hannah Lichtenstein tallied the first of the two, finishing a ball played in from Miranda Saldivar and Becca Mayeda.
The second of the two goals started with a beautiful run up the field by Cappy Pitts. She played the ball forward to Johnson, who slotted the ball through to Khanna. Khanna faked and let the ball across the goal mouth to Omardeen, who sent the ball into the net for the second time on the night.
Reba Magier defended the Swarthmore net in the second half, tallying 2 saves on the evening.
The Swarthmore Women were again pleased with their performance on the night. The training and time spent together on the trip has allowed them to not only have some amazing cultural experiences, but has also helped them further develop their chemistry and resonance on the field as they head into their season upon their return.
Additional, possibly tangential notes: The Swarthmore women also had the privelege of a pregame cooling mist provided by the sprinkler systems on the turf in the stadium. Best way to beat the August heat in the summer time. Maybe we need a set of these on our home turf... Adam? ... I kid. But I think the players have enjoyed the pre and post game shower that these systems have provided. And we have all gotten some laughs in the process.
The Garnet women return to action tonight, August 14, for their final match of the trip.
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