Grand Valley State Edges Tampa in National Matchup
Final | 1 | 2 | T |
---|---|---|---|
Tampa (0-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Grand Valley State (1-0) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
ALLENDALE, Mich. - The top-ranked University of Tampa women's soccer team began its defense of the 2007 NCAA II national championship with a 1-0 loss to third-ranked Grand Valley State University.
The first regular season matchup between the two teams lived up to its hype as the two have met in the previous two Final Fours.
Grand Valley State's Irie Dennis accounted for the game's lone goal at the 26:36 mark. Her shot from 20 yards on the left side was the game-winner.
Goalkeeper Kendall Bourdon registered six saves in her first collegiate game.
Tampa started the game with five freshmen and also played a stretch of the game with seven freshmen on the field.
"This was a great experience for the team and freshmen," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "There were 900 fans at the game and they were extremely loud. We came through the game for the better and will grow from this game. Grand Valley has a fantastic team and are one of the best I have seen in recent years. They must be favorites to win the national title this year. I am looking forward to the rematch next year on opening weekend. We will look to bounce back Sunday against Ferris State and come home with a win. I am proud of the girls and hope we can continue to grow."
The Spartans return to action on Sunday in Allendale as it meets Ferris State at 12 noon.
Team Stats
Grand Valley State
Game Statistics | Tampa | Grand Valley State |
---|---|---|
Shots (on goal) | 4 (1) | 17 (7) |
Saves | 6 | 1 |
Fouls | 14 | 9 |
Corner Kicks | 1 | 5 |
Offsides | 2 | 0 |