First Half Scoring Gives Women's Soccer Victory Over Pioneers in Home Opener
FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State Women's Soccer team used three first half goals to take down Point Park in their 2024 home opener by a 3-1 final.
Both teams attempted to gain a foothold early on, as it would be the Bobcats to assert the first pressure. Junior Morgan Mrizek twice threatened the Pioneer goal with a pair of shots in the first six minutes, but both went wide of the mark. Three minutes later, on an FSU corner, freshman Mollie Rebuck had a trio of chances to put the ball in the back of the net, first heading onto the post, then forcing a goal line clearance, and finally scoring with her third effort, the first of her career.
Over the next 15 minutes, Point Park was able to limit Frostburg's offense, as three shots were taken, two off target and one blocked. Midway through the half, the Bobcats were awarded a free kick from about 30 yards out, as senior Mei Homman took aim at goal, forcing keeper Maggie Pappas into a high save and earning another corner. Senior Cat Smith had her shot blocked, but on the rebound, was able to turn nicely towards the byline and cross to the back post, where junior Jayme Sooy was there to meet it, calmly finishing for a 2-0 advantage.
Just three minutes later, freshman Cassidy Paige received the ball at midfield and made a surging run down the left flank into the box, eventually finding junior Carly Gillette to poke home into the bottom right corner for a comfortable 3-0 score line. The Pioneers ended the half with one shot that was blocked away for a corner, with nothing coming of it after the first 45.
Point Park came out of the break with determination, winning possession early and often, resulting in a corner 10 minutes in. The ball was swung into the near post, where it was met with a header that nestled into the far side netting to get the visitors on the board at 3-1. After a couple shots were easily saved and sent wide, Frostburg regained their composure and began to control the contest once more. Freshman Rayiah Davis tried her luck at the edge of the 18 but was quickly closed down, then on the rebound senior Madi Allen had a shot from distance that was straight at the Pioneer keeper.
Neither side was able to fashion a meaningful chance in the final 25 minutes, as FSU was able to see the game out with the majority of possession, closing out the 3-1 victory.
The Bobcats out-shot Point Park 15-5, with a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
With the victory, Frostburg improves to 3-1 on the year, while the Pioneers fall to 0-3-1. The Bobcats return home on Saturday, September 21 to face Wheeling at 5:30 p.m. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.
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