Longwood women defeat visiting UMBC 3-0

Longwood University won its first women’s soccer match of the season Friday night, taking a 3-0 home victory past the University of Maryland, Baltimore County from the America East Conference at the Athletics Complex in Farmville.  The Lancers scored two early goals within 55-seconds and never looked back en route to their shutout triumph.

Longwood took the early 1-0 advantage in the 12th minute when freshman Kelsey Pardue|Henrico (Hermitage) took a pass from sophomore Nikki Glisson|Mechanicsville (Hanover) and shot successfully into the upper left over the head of the keeper at 11:39.  It was the first collegiate goal for Pardue.  Less than a minute later, the Lancers made it 2-0 as sophomore Lindsey Ottavio|Fairfax (W.T. Woodson) broke free down the left side after receiving a great ball from junior Kacie Oliver|Portsmouth, R.I. (Portsmouth) and promptly placed her shot into the upper right corner of the net at 12:34.  The hosts led 2-0 at the intermission and controlled the action with an 8-4 advantage in shots during the period.

Longwood continued to press the action in the second half and did not even allow UMBC a shot attempt during the final 45 minutes.  The Lancers took 10 second-half shots and added their third goal in the 85th minute when Ottavio scored her second goal of the match with an unassisted shot to the right corner after collecting a loose ball in the box at 84:30.

“We’re pleased with the result,” said head coach Todd Dyer ‘93.  “We scored our first home goal, recorded our first home shutout, and earned our first home and season win.  I thought we were very effective attacking early, and our defense became much better as we settled down and the game progressed.  We certainly hope to continue our momentum on Sunday.”

Longwood took an 18-4 advantage in shots, including 11-3 in attempts on-goal, and had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.  Graduate keeper Marcia Biddle|Woodbridge (Gar-Field) played the duration in front of the net for the Lancers, making three saves in the opening period while posting her first shutout of the season. Freshman Lauren Kadet also played the entire contest for UMBC and made seven saves, and the Retrievers also recorded a team save in the second half.

It was just the third-ever meeting between the two schools in the sport of women’s soccer as the all-time series now stands at 1-1-1.