Eagles Knock off #20 Salisbury in CAC Opener

Salisbury has long been considered one of Mary Washington's fiercest rivals. It's not a one-sport rivalry; it's very likely UMW's student body would show up in force for a badminton match between the two schools. During homecoming week, or for a few days leading up to a big game, spirit-wear "Suck Falisbury" t-shirts are a common sight up and down campus walk.

Saturday, the Eagles opened up CAC play with a home date against the Sea Gulls, and the action would not disappoint. UMW held off a late surge to defeat #20 Salisbury, 2-1.

"It's obviously a big win for us," said Eagles' head coach Jason Kilby after the game. "To be 1-0 in conference to a nationally-ranked team, it feels great."

UMW's 2-3 record coming into the contest might have been slightly misleading. Two of the Eagles' three losses this season have come by one goal, including a 2-1 loss to a Catholic U. squad that has started the season 4-1 and nearly knocked off national #1 Messiah College.

When play kicked off, both defenses played extremely well, denying attackers' shooting angles and feeding good balls up through midfield. After the first 45 minutes, neither team had managed to find the back of the net.

The offensive drought wouldn't persist into the second half. Just 50 seconds after play resumed, junior Matt Poole ripped a left-footed laser upper 90 from about 30 yards out, giving UMW the 1-0 lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

"I just got the ball and looked for the cross," Poole reflected on his goal. "No one was in there so I just let it go."

Junior Omar Ismail extended UMW's advantage in the 53rd minute, scoring on an assist from Nick Shepherd, his second of the day.

Down 2-0, Salisbury mounted a furious counter-assault. The Eagles managed to turn away surge after surge until the 83rd minute, when some nifty passing set up a Sea Gull goal scored by Trevor Sharpe.

UMW sophomore goalkeeper Blake Weiss played well, directing his defense, and adjusting to Salisbury's shifting offensive strategy. He finished the day with 11 saves.

"Blake is a very athletic player who commands his box very well," remarked Kilby. "He made some good saves and we were really happy with his performance."

The Eagles (3-3, 1-0 CAC) will hit the road Wednesday when they travel to Gettysburg College.

UMW Scoring

Poole (45') Shepherd assist

Ismail (53') Shepherd assist

Salisbury Scoring

Sharpe (83')