VCU Women’s Soccer made their return to the Atlantic 10 Women’s Soccer Championship match on Sunday at Baujan Field. Awaiting #2 VCU was #1 Saint Louis who made their first trip to the title match since 2006 and were unbeaten in conference play this season. The Billikens were unphased by the Rams as the A-10 Final turned into a scoring rout for the top seed.

A Quick Batch of Goals

Lindsay Sands took advantage of an SLU fastbreak from the midfield and sprinted past VCU’s defense on the left wing. Sands fired a low strike that rolled past VCU’s goalkeeper Grace Young and into the near post for the goal. Just four minutes past and the Rams found themselves in a 0-1 deficit early.

Young faced a barrage of strikes from Saint Louis as the match continued. In the 19^thminute, Olivia Petit managed to send a header that forced Young to make a diving save. VCU was unable to clear the ball inside the box and Saint Louis created another scoring opportunity. The second shot bounced under Young and Evie Lavelle tried clearing it but the ball went into the net for a VCU own goal.

Billikens Craved More & More

The first 45 minutes of the match was a struggle for the Black & Gold. VCU was held without a strike while Saint Louis took 5 in total. Young was able to make 4 saves against the Billikens in the half however SLU was striving with a 2-0 lead upon halftime.

More of the same was on the field as the 2^ndhalf got underway. Saint Louis kept control of possession while creating good shooting opportunities while VCU was stuck in defensive mode. CiCi Fox was able to break through with VCU’s first shot in the 67^thminute that was saved by SLU’s Olivia Silverman.

A Life-Line Then A Dagger

On a Black & Gold free kick in the 74^thminute, Emma Kershner bent the ball towards Ingrid Brouwer in the SLU penalty area. Brouwer leaped and headed the ball over Silverman for VCU’s first goal of the match.

Just under 20 seconds following that goal, Maddie Pokorny dribbled solo through VCU’s defense after the kickoff and chipped Young for her first goal. Momentum switched back over to the blue side with the Billikens ahead 3-1.

Even More For Pokorny

Pokorny was not done on the day with two more goals to collect a hat-trick in the A-10 title game. Once again Pokorny dribbled past everyone in the 78^thminute and finished the sequence with a goal at the far post. With two minutes left in the contest, Pokorny found herself on an SLU breakaway to goal and knocked her 3^rdgoal in with a rolling shot under Young.

A Crushing End to the Year

Saint Louis outstruck VCU 17-5 and remained perfect in the Atlantic 10 with a 5-1 victory over #2 VCU to win the A-10 Women’s Soccer Championship. Grace Young made 9 saves during the contest for the Rams.  VCU Women’s Soccer finishes the 2018 season at 16-4 overall and 9-1 in Atlantic 10 play.

Mark Turner

Mark graduated from VCU in 2014 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. He started as a fan of the Black & Gold in the stands his freshman year. Mark was known as "Kazie" for his charismatic fandom with the VCU's student organization the Rowdy Rams. While at VCU he gained experience in sports media with WVCW on a sports radio show called Rowdy Radio. Following graduation, Mark continued crafting his social media skills with the Richmond Kickers while also handling VCU coverage. He is a true fan of the Rams and vocally passionate on and off camera. After the final whistle, you can probably find him at local RVA bar or brewery enjoying a drink and conversation.