Lynn Women’s Soccer Shoots Down Seahawks

8/30/09

West Palm Beach, Fla. – The Chip Dutchik era started off with a bang as Lynn University’s women’s soccer team won 2-1 over Northwood in their season opener Sunday afternoon. Megan Walsh scored the game-winning goal with five minutes left to play while Brittany Evernden notched an assist in her first game back since October 2007.



Dutchik wins his first game with the Fighting Knights, joining Rocky Orezzoli as the only coaches in program history to claim victory in their inaugural match.



A slow first half gave way to an exciting second half with two goals scored in a four minute span. Katy Salguero took advantage of a defensive gaffe in the 51st minute, stealing the ball away and lofting a shot over keeper Kelsey Butler’s head. Making the first start of her career, Butler stopped five shots, including a breakaway attempt by Lisa Ohberg late in the game.



Sarah Mendelsberg knotted the game at one minutes later courtesy of Melissa Ortiz. The reigning Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year dribbled through four Seahawk defenders, splitting the last two inside the box, and rifled a low shot on net. Keeper Adi Jurman made a diving stop on the initial attempt but Mendelsberg was there to tap in the rebound for her 14th career goal.



The intensity of the match picked up with the threat of overtime looming. Lynn struck gold, though, in the 86th minute with Walsh heading in the game-winner off a corner kick from Evernden. With the ball in the air, the senior midfielder snuck past her defender into open space and knocked it into the right side netting. Evernden returned after missing the 2008 season with a knee injury.



Lynn fended off a late charge by Northwood (0-1) to preserve the victory. The Seahawks won a corner kick with 10 seconds left but the Blue & White turned away the last shot. Northwood won the shot battled 14-11 while taking six corner kicks to LU’s one.



The Fighting Knights return to action on Tuesday, September 2 at 3 p.m. when they host St. Thomas in their home opener. Fans can follow all of the action live by logging on to www.lynn.edu/athletics and selecting the “live audio” and “live stats” links.