CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The women’s soccer team hit the road for the first competition of the 2010 fall season at TTU. Tech took on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the first of two exhibition match-ups in the pre-season schedule, falling 3-0.
Returning all-conference forwards Kris Cambron and Jen Hoffman started for the Golden Eagles up front while two new freshmen signees, Becca Toler in goal and Taylor Hicks at midfield saw their first career starts with this contest.
Alabama took control of the game early on when Carly Mygrants’ pass found Victoria Frederick on the left side of the box. Frederick took a touch for control before burying a far post shot to give the Crimson Tide a 1-0 lead.
Toler played all 90 minutes in goal for the Golden Eagles, gaining valuable experience in her first collegiate competition. Toler took on Amanda Ortegon one-on-one in the 41st minute of the game, but Ortegon's neat shot from five yards gave 'Bama its second goal of the half. Josie Rix was awarded the assist on the play.
The Golden Eagles held 'Bama until the 73rd minute of play, when Lindsey Sillers broke through the defense in the backfield to add the third goal of the game for the Crimson Tide.
Five different Golden Eagle players contributed six shots, with one of Kris Cambron’s two shots falling on net, and 22 players saw field time for Tech. Kerri Reid, Brooke Mayo, Andrea Meloff and Ashley Smith also each added shots, while Toler finished the game with seven saves.
“I think that the team and coaching staff definitely got the experience that we were hoping for in playing Alabama,” said head coach Daniel Brizard, whose head coaching debut was marked by the exhibition. “As coaches we were able to gauge the team on a more competitive level, while they got to experience going up against a prestigious program in the Crimson Tide.
“The outcome was undoubtedly respectable, especially for less than one week into preseason, and we as a team will definitely learn from this game,” he continued. “We’ll use this contest as an opportunity to adjust our game and come out stronger for the rest of our schedule.”
