Devils Settle For Second Draw with St. Joe's
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Drury girls' soccer team's 2012 season ended in undramatic fashion on Friday, as the Blue Devils were shut out in a scoreless draw with St. Joe's. It was the second time the two teams tied this season, leaving Drury with a final record of 3-9-2. The Devils' final two games of the season, home dates against Pittsfield and Lee, were wiped out by the effects of Hurricane Sandy.Despite an 18-4 edge in corner kicks and an a 4-2 edge in corner kicks, Molly Meczywor's squad was unable to get a ball past past Crusaders' keeper Kendall Smith, who made 15 saves to earn the shutout and even her team's record to 7-7-3.
"We had plenty of chances to score but rushed on many of them," Meczywor said. "Our game plan was executed by chipping over their defense. We had great crosses and, overall, played very well. St. Joe's packed it in in their defensive third and, with their goalie being very experienced, we had trouble placing the shot."
Offensive production was an issue this season for Drury, which was shut out six times and averaged just 1.21 goals per game. The good news is leading scorer Cori Ghidotti (nine goals, two assists) is back next season, but only one other underclassman found the back of the net for the Blue Devils this year. Besides having to find a few additional scorers, Meczywor will also have to find a replacement for senior goalie Ali Tatro, who made three saves to earn her fourth shutout of the year. Tatro has been between the pipes at Drury since for the past four years and leaves big shoes to fill in that position moving forward.
Meczywor said she's excited about the potential of some of her returning players, however, particularly junior Breanna Simard.
"Breanna has been playing defense for us the past few games, and she has been outstanding," Meczywor said.