WASHINGTON  – Alysa Vazquez scored a beautiful equalizer in the 76th minute of action on Thursday evening against William & Mary, but the Tribe were able to get a go-ahead goal of their own just two minutes later to finish off a 2-1 victory at Reeves Field. 
 
QUICK NOTABLES

• The goal by Vazquez was initiated by a great corner kick from Emily Smith that bounced off the head of Ashley Molz before finding the back of the net. 
• Both Smith and Molz were credited with an assist. 
• Four freshman started the first games of their career on Thursday, including three that played a full 90 minutes. Julia Kato, Giuliana Capraro, and Jordan Mahony played the entire game on defense while Brooke Steel played 68 minutes as a forward. 

 

76' | Alysa Vasquez with the equalizer! Assist by Emily Smith and Ashley Molz.

AU 1, William & Mary 1 pic.twitter.com/Xl802JG31P

— American U. Women's Soccer (@AU_WSoccer) August 19, 2021

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The game started out slow as it was the first regular-season game for both squads. 
• In the 28th minute, the Tribe were awarded a penalty kick on a foul inside the box. Kayleigh Shackford put William & Mary on top 1-0 with a successful scoring strike. 
• American couldn't get anything going offensively until the final two minutes of the first half. Fisayo Iluyomade beat the defense and redirected a ball that bounced off the post and out of danger in the 44th minute. It was the most dangerous chance of the half for the Eagles.
• The second half saw AU come out with a sense of urgency on offense. Within the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Eagles drew their first corner kick and a shot on goal saved by the Tribe keeper. 
• On the defensive end, Kato picked up three saves from the keeper position and was aided by some timely defense from her backline. Jordan Mahony had a crucial block along the goal line down the stretch that kept the Eagles in striking distance. 
• The equalizer by Vazquez was spoiled as William & Mary's attack found a hole as Caroline Monahan slotted home the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute. 
• American couldn't muster another scoring chance but made a few defensive stops in the last 10 minutes to keep the score at 2-1. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Vazquez scored her first goal since Sept. 21, 2019 against Boston University. 
• Molz picked up her first assist since helping Vazquez score that goal against BU.
• Smith now has six career assists and has picked up a point in back-to-back games dating back to last season against Navy. 

UP NEXT

• The Eagles have a quick turnaround as they are set to face James Madison on the road Sunday afternoon. 
• Kick-off in Harrisonburg, Va., will be at 1 p.m. 
• The Eagles will be back at Reeves Field on Thursday, Sept. 9 against Old Dominion. 

KEEP UP WITH US

• For the latest on American University Women's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_WSoccer), Facebook (AU.WSoccer) and Instagram (@au_wsoccer).