Asbury Shut-Out in Opener

Wilmore, Ky. - Asbury couldn't find the back of the net as Spring Arbor defeated the Eagles in the season opener 2-0 on Monday afternoon.  The Cougars used a counter attack in the 12th minute to score first with Ali Nichols beating Asbury keeper Melanie Dickson after a pass ahead from Jessica Clarke.

Asbury came out firing in the first 10 minutes of the game getting off three shots but that left the door open for Spring Arbor's counter.  Asbury would struggle the rest of the half as the Cougars out-shot the Eagles 5-7 after the goal.  Freshmen keeper Melanie Dickson kept the Cougars off the scoreboard for the rest of the half with four saves.  SAU's attack would again prove too much in the second half as Heidi Sharp tallied the final goal in the 55th minute. 

Asbury was out-shot 27-12 for the game and had to play most of the game inside their own half.  The Cougars continued to pressure the Eagles who eventually were worn down.  Asbury had seven players play more than 80 minutes and only used two subs.  Spring Arbor only had four players reach the 80 minute mark and used seven subs.

"We played a really good team today, we just ran out of gas," Asbury Coach Paul Nesselroade said.  "I think we are better team both athletically and skill wise, but we started six freshmen today and that is tough against a team the caliber of Spring Arbor.  We need to improve our communication and get some experience and I think we'll be fine."

Asbury will travel to Harrogate, Tennessee to face NCAA Division II Lincoln Memorial on Thursday at 5:00 pm before coming home to host Hanover in a scrimmage on Saturday at 4:00 pm.  The Eagles will play again before the home crowd on Tuesday September 1 at 7:00 pm against Centre College.