Pirates Dominate Campbell In Exhibition, 5-0
August 17, 2008 | Soccer
Aug. 17, 2008
BUIES CREEK, N.C. - The East Carolina soccer team produced a solid result in its only exhibition contest of 2008, routing Campbell, 5-nil, at the Eakes Athletic Complex in Buies Creek, N.C.
Displaying their team depth, 22 of 27 Pirates experienced playing time as three of the scores came from the feet of underclassmen. Additionally, three freshmen, Rachel Fuller, Jessica Woodward and Amanda Malkiewicz, earned starts in the midfield and forward positions.
The Pirates netted their first goal in the 25th minute when senior Blair Heffner was able to put the ball past Camel goalie Boomie Luck off of an assist from sophomore Amanda Broz. Another senior, Madison Keller, made the game 2-0 after scoring an unassisted goal in the 37th minute.
Nearing the halftime interval, the Pirates continued their offensive onslaught, notching two quick goals to extend their lead to 4-0. Sophomore Jessica Cunningham scored the third goal on an assist from fellow second-year player Scarlet Van Loon in the 44th minute. Cunningham then earned her third point of the day in the 45th minute as she assisted on Malkiewicz's first collegiate goal. Senior newcomer Savanna Russo also assisted on the play.
Sophomore Tricia Tufts cemented the final margin in the 80th minute as she was able to put the ball in the back of the net, unassisted, past Anna DiTommaso.
The hosts' best effort of the afternoon came in the 89th minute as Annabelle Gibney was able to get behind the East Carolina defense. However, after she was able to dribble past goalkeeper Amber Campbell, she was tackled from the side which resulted in a corner kick. Off of that set piece, Ashley Wagner collected the ball and ripped a sizzling shot from 20 yards that went just north of the crossbar.
Senior keeper and preseason All-C-USA honoree Campbell combined with freshman Kendall Booth to shut down the Camels' offense. Campbell produced all three saves for the duo in her 93 minutes between the woodwork.
"Overall we had a good day," head coach Rob Donnenwirth stated. "We were able to establish good possession and attacked well. I think it showed that we have good depth as we need to take advantage of this during the season."
The Pirates look to open the season with a win for the second straight campaign as they contest a home tilt against Southern Conference side Western Carolina on Friday, Aug. 22 at Bunting Field. The match is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.
