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Last Updated: Oct 16th, 2008 - 13:33:17 |
The Metro women's soccer team continued their winning streak against Adams State and New Mexico Highlands Oct. 3 and 5 at Auraria Field.
The Roadrunners resumed their scoring surge against Adams State as they scored six goals in the first 20 minutes of play. Forward Becca Mays initiated the scoring once again off a corner kick from defender Gabby Klipp only nine minutes into the game. Less than two minutes later, forward Jen Thomas stormed through the defense with a goal of her own.
Defender Nicole Cito is positive that Mays and Thomas will continue to do their job when they're both in the front scoring goals.
"I'm really confident in both of them, two different type of players," Cito said. "Depending on the team that we're playing, either way I feel like we can put it away with either one of them."
Midfielder Vanessa Mais scored off a penalty kick four minutes later, while Mays managed to score two back-to-back goals in seven minutes, completing a hat trick. Forward Caitlin Oliver scored her second goal of the season, presenting the Roadrunners with a 6-0 lead at halftime.
The Grizzlies were able to hold Metro at six goals during the second half, until the last 20 minutes when Thomas scored off a long ball from Cito.
Midfielder Jaimie Stephenson would add the final goal seven minutes later to seal the 8-0 shut out. The defense put up a barrier as goalkeeper Becca Maloney only touched the ball twice, recording her seventh shut out of the season, sixth consecutively. However, according to Cito, it's not the defense that should get all the glory.
"I think it's the team as a whole; it's not just us in the back," Cito said. "Yeah we've been solid in the back, but it comes from everywhere. Just knowing any game could be a one goal game and if it's against us, it's that much harder to get back. We're just really focusing on keeping the ball out of the net."
Two days later, New Mexico Highlands kept the Roadrunners on their toes, as they couldn't get the ball past the Cowgirls goalkeeper Shannon Delarosbil. After numerous shots on goal and with only two minutes left in the first half, midfielder Madison McQuilliams broke past the defense and scored her third goal of the season. Midfielder Ashley Munchiando found Thomas by herself in front of the goal late in the second half, as Thomas headed the ball into the net, giving the Roadrunners a 2-0 lead.
"I've been working individually and keeping my head up," Thomas said. "Really the last few games, I've tried to have more confidence in myself."
With only eight minutes left in the game, the Cowgirls scored off a penalty kick, which is the first goal scored on goalkeeper Becca Maloney since Sept. 7. Cito and the rest of the defense fought for the remainder of the game and didn't let the goal stick in their heads too much, especially with how well the defense has been playing this season.
"I think we've worked really well together as a group, obviously with how many goals we've let in so far this season," Cito said. "It was a decent shot and just unlucky I guess all around, but it's not going to hold us back, I don't think."
Mays and Thomas roared back at the Grizzlies with back-to-back goals, giving Metro the 4-1 win. After being in a 10-game drought, Thomas was pleased to have gotten back into the groove once again.
"Its relieving, it's very relieving," Thomas said. "We've finished a lot in practice, we worked on a lot and so that's helping, and finally when you get one, they just start coming."
Thomas finished the weekend with four goals and two assists. Head Coach Adrianne Almaraz feels that Thomas is important in the offense as she leads the team with six assists.
"Just like any of our players in the attack, we need to make sure that we are finishing our opportunities, and today she definitely did," Almaraz said. "She worked hard off the ball, and I think when you're working hard and you're doing the right thing, the opportunities will come, and for her they did today."
The Roadrunners have won the last five games and have outscored their opponents 23-1 during the streak. Before allowing the goal versus New Mexico Highlands, Maloney had played 820 minutes without being scored on; saving 34 shots.
"She's awesome; she's so solid," Thomas said. "You know that when she's in goal, she's going to be there for you, and she's going to work her butt off."
The Roadrunners are now 9-1-2, 5-0-1 in the RMAC, and have won five consecutive games. Metro is tied for first place with Colorado School of Mines as they enter into the game against CSU-Pueblo Oct. 10 in Pueblo.
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