Rijsdijk Lifts Soccer Over Morehead State, 2-1

Sunday, September 18

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

1:00 p.m

Alabama

5-2-1

Morehead State

4-3-2

Morehead State

Alabama

Pia Rijsdijk scored the game-winner in the 75th minute.

Rijsdijk Lifts Soccer Over Morehead State, 2-1

9/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer

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Sept. 18, 2011

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama freshman Pia Rijsdijk's first collegiate goal came in a big way as she tallied the game-winner to hand the Crimson Tide a 2-1 victory over Morehead State, Sunday afternoon at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. With the win the Tide wraps up non-conference play with a 5-2-1 record.

"I have mixed emotions after today's performance," Alabama head coach Todd Bramble said. "We didn't play our best but it was an important result. The early goal may have worked against us as we were complacent the rest of the first half. I have to give the team credit though at the end for finding a way to win. That is something to build on."

Rijsdijk tallied the game-winner in the 75th minute. The freshman followed up a shot from senior K.K. Duffy that caromed off the post and came back out to Rijsdijk, who tapped in the open net try.

Junior defender Ashley Willis started the contest just as she finished the UAB match. The outside back made a long run and setup her own goal as she found sophomore Molly Atherton atop the box who played it right back to Willis for the far post tally. The goal was her second on the season.

The Crimson Tide kept the pressure up in the first half as they looked to extend their lead, but Morehead State goalie Katie Blevins came up with six saves to keep the Eagles in the game. Alabama outshot the Eagles in the first half 12-8, and finished the game with a 23-14 advantage in shots.

Morehead State answered 10 minutes into the second half when Devan Jordan chipper Alabama keeper Shanna Brooks to even the score at one. Alyssa Nacke assisted on the goal from atop the box.

Brooks allowed one goal and tallied five saves in her first start of the season. Rijsdijk led all players with six shots, putting four on frame.

Alabama will remain at home to start conference play against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Vanderbilt comes to the Alabama Soccer Stadium on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., and Kentucky will come to town on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m.