For the third consecutive match, VCU Women’s Soccer outstruck their opposition. The Rams faced Loyola (MD) in their home season opener at Sports Backers on Thursday night and what a night for the Black & Gold. VCU won the striking battle 24-1 and the match 4-0 to remain unbeaten at 3-0 to start the 2019 season.

After the first 45 minutes, VCU held a 7-0 shot advantage. Ingrid Brouwer and Amanda Treadway led the Rams’ offense straight into Loyola’s box and let the laces loose. Lily Andres kept the Greyhounds leveled with 2 saves in goal and the defense withstood VCU’s attack. The Black & Gold’s backline kept fueling their forwards with good passing but no goal was awarded before halftime.

That all changed in the 62nd minute off a VCU corner kick. Emma Kershner delivered the ball to a leaping Lana Golob as she connected on the header to open the scoring festivities. Golob’s first goal of her collegiate career broke the ice to put the Rams ahead 1-0 over the Greyhounds.

13 minutes later, VCU opened the floodgates. Three goals were scored by the Black & Gold in less than 4 minutes starting in the 75th minute. Paige Franks sent Lyndsey Gutzmer forward on a 1v1 against Andres. Gutzmer took a few touches on her right foot and smashed the ball into the low corner.

Gutzmer was not done by completing her brace just 2 minutes later. A VCU corner kick turned into a clash of Rams and Greyhounds searching for the bouncing ball. Gutzmer found it directly in front of goal and hammered it home for her second goal of the night.

50 seconds later after going ahead 3-0, Golob made it 4-0 with her second goal. Samantha Jerabek headed a VCU free-kick towards Golob’s boot at the 6-yard line that found the back of the net in the 78th minute. VCU outstruck Loyola (MD) 17-1 in the second half.

24 total strikes, 4 goals, and 2 braces from Golob and Gutzmer resulted in VCU Women’s Soccer improving to a 3-0 record on the season. The Rams are back in action on Sunday, September 1st at Sports Backers Stadium to take on former CAA rival UNC Wilmington. Kick-off slated for 1 PM and will be shown on ESPN+.

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.