MOON TOWNSHIP — RMU women’s soccer won their second game this season thanks to Maddison Hurst’s 84th minute winner. The Colonials scored the last minute goal to pull out a 1-0 win over the Canisius Golden Griffins on Thursday afternoon.
Both teams started the game slow, only recording 3 total shots each in the first half. Play was very direct and physical, but both teams struggled to maintain long strings of possession in their opponents’ halves.
The Golden Griffins had the better of possession and brought a great deal of energy that Robert Morris had to quickly match, holding the game dead locked at 0-0 heading into halftime.
The second half saw more opportunities with multiple scoring chances that did not end up on the scoreboard. Robert Morris goalkeeper Emma Cameron, who did not have to make a save in the first 45 minutes, was tested in the second half having to make 5 saves.
The physical affair continued with both teams battling, but neither gaining the edge on the other. With under 11 minutes to go, the Colonials and the Golden Griffins traded chances that both sailed over the crossbar including a shot by midfielder Taylor Day.
Neither side could find the back of the net until defender Ivy Chaskelson’s cross found an unmarked Madison Hurst in the center of the box, who headed in the eventual winner.
This was the sophomore’s second goal of the season and her spark off the bench has not gone unnoticed by Coach Michelle Rick.
“It’s huge for us,” said Rick. “For someone to come in with that kind of energy and be an impact player for us, I know she will keep bringing it every game this season”.
The Colonial defense held the lead for the final 7 minutes, denying the Golden Griffins not only their first goal but also their first win of the season. Canisius outshot RMU 11-5 in the second half, but the home defense completed the shutout. The Golden Griffins haven’t scored a goal yet this season.
The win takes RMU to a 2-1 record on the young season and will now travel to Ypsilanti for a road match with Eastern Michigan University on Sunday, August 31. That match kicks off at 1 p.m. and will be streaming on ESPN+.
