The last time the Shippensburg University women’s soccer team faced the Gannon University Golden Knights, the Knights slew the Raiders 3-2 in a first half outburst that saw a defense stalwart in the second half.
This time, the Raiders will be looking to get even with the Golden Knights when they host them Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at David See Field.
On paper, the odds favor the Golden Knights for this matchup. The Raiders are balancing a 6-6-3 overall record, while the Golden Knights have a much more solid record, sitting comfortably at 10-3-1. They are also heavily outscoring their opponents 34-8 and outshooting their opponents 257-141.
In contrast, the Raiders’ opponents are outscoring them 20-18 and are outshooting them 241-201.
So what do the Raiders need to do to pull the upset on Saturday?
Rhonda Runion, Ashley Vellucci and Kate Zech make up for SU’s offensive three-headed monster. All of them have three goals, a combined three assists, and a combined 22 points. Vellucci is accountable for two game-winning goals for the Raiders this season.
The Raiders’ goalkeeper, Shelbie Rackley, has had 92 saves and has posted a .829 save percentage. With Rackley in the net, it will be very hard for GU to get the ball past her.
For the Golden Knights, they have their own fiercely competitive arsenal as well. Mani Brueckner, a freshman, has nine goals, 11 assists, and 29 points. Sammy Valloud, also a freshman, has eight goals this season, and sophomore Michelle Genetin has five goals. The trio will look to make an impact tomorrow.
GU’s goalkeeper, Sarah Geffel, has 38 saves for a .864 save percentage, and a 7-2 record. She also has six shutouts for the Golden Knights.
Both teams have their work cut out for them as far as offense and goalkeeping are concerned. SU has had a tough time getting the ball in the net for a good number of its games this season. In fact, SU has been held scoreless in six games so far this season.
SU will need to stop a potent GU offense. The Golden Knights have scored more than three goals six times this season and will look to continue that trend against SU.
Predicted final score: 3-2, Gannon.
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