Fort Myers, Fla. / FGCU Soccer Complex - The Robert Morris University women's soccer team opened the season with a quality victory over Big East-member Syracuse, 1-0, in the opening game of the 5th Annual Embassy Suites Kick-off Classic hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University Friday evening. The game was the season opener for both teams.
After a scoreless opening frame, Robert Morris netted the game's only goal just after the start of the second half. Controlling the ball through midfield, senior Rachel Sebbens (Irwin, Pa. / Greensburg Central Catholic) played a long ball through the middle of the Orange defense. Senior Ayana Davis (Mt. Laurel, N.J. / Holy Cross) was the first to the ball, touching around the charging Syracuse keeper before slipping the ball into the open net to give RMU a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute.
The Orange appeared to have the equalizer in the 75th minute, but a header by Jenna Rickan careened off the post. Tina Romagnuolo sent the rebound back on the RMU net only to see senior goalkeeper Jessica Olin (New Port Richey, Fla. / River Ridge) recover to make one of her six saves. Olin was tested just once more before regulation ended and interim head coach Joe Di Buono secured his first victory.
Olin's six saves earned her the 14th shutout of her career. Brittany Anghel had two saves on three shots for a Syracuse team that outshot RMU, 15-3.
The Colonials return to action Sunday, August 21, when they take on Eastern Washington at 10:00 a.m. in the second day of action at the Embassy Suites Kick-off Classic.
