Devils Settle for Tie With St. Joe's
 |
The good news for Drury (1-5-1) was its ability to find the back of the net for the first time in four games. The Blue Devils took a 1-0 lead when junior Cori Ghidotti took a pass from senior Chelsea DeGroff and beat Crusaders' keeper Kendall Smith (five saves) for what Drury head coach Molly Meczywor said was the "best goal of the season so far."
"The goal we scored was a beautiful passing play, which started in the midfield and worked up with Chelsea," Meczywor said. "Cori's shot was gorgeous. She waited for Smith to challenge and placed the shot in the right-hand corner."
Despite a 15-7 edge in shots and 3-2 advantage in corner kicks in the game, the Blue Devils' offense couldn't find a way past Smith the rest of the way. It was a frustrating result for Drury, which was hoping for its second win of the year.
"St. Joe's packed it in defensively, and we had a difficult time moving the ball in the 18-yard box," Meczywor said. "Kendall Smith plays very big in the goal, so shooting outside was not effective. We had plenty of chances to score but didn't capitalize on any of them."
The Blue Devils maintained their 1-0 lead into the second half until Bailey Vinette came up with the game-tying goal in the 55th minute of play.
"Their goal was scored due to lack of coverage on the weak side," Meczywor said. "We've tried several players on the weak side, but our outside midfield is a weakness for us right now."
Vinette's goal was the lone blemish on the day for Drury keeper Ali Tatro, who finished the match with five saves. Meczywor also said she was thoroughly pleased with the play of freshman defender Olivia Carlson.
"Olivia has stepped up as a stopper and has demonstrated a great deal of patience and composure for a freshman," she said. "She will be a positive addition to the girls' soccer program."
The Blue Devils next take on rival Hoosac Valley at Renfrew Field on Thursday night. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Crusaders (3-3-1) next host McCann Tech at 4 p.m. on Monday.