Columbia
Cornell
Women's Soccer Defeats Cornell 2-0 In Ivy League Opener
9/23/2016 7:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer
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Box Score ►Teaneck, N.J. – The Ivy League season began with a victory for the Columbia women's soccer team as they blanked Cornell 2-0 on Friday, Sept. 23 at FDU's University Field. The Lions were impressive in all aspects of the game, including an aggressive offense that posted a 12-6 shot advantage and a shutout defense.
A sensational goal by Amaris Hemmings in the eighth minute gave the Lions an early lead over the Big Red to start the night. With lightening speed, Hemmings dribbled the ball through defenders down the right side into the box and blasted a shot into the back of the net for her first career score. The offensive aggression continued for the Lions, as they garnered four corner kicks and five shots through the midpoint of the first half.
The Columbia defense stood strong in the opening 45 minutes holding Cornell scoreless on just three shots to lead 1-0 at the break.
The all-around Lions pressure continued in the second half with the defense remaining poised to disrupt the Big Red offense. The Lions knocked on the door a few times for a second score early in the second, but it we be the connection of Emma Anderson and Natalie Neshat that would give the Lions a 2-0 lead. After a quick throw in about 30 yards outside the box from the far side of the field, Anderson tapped a quick pass to a slicing Neshat who fired in a shot past the goalkeeper in the 68th minute for her second goal of the season and Anderson's third assist on the year.
Allison Spencer posted her first shutout of the season with three saves on the day, as the effort marks the fourth clean sheet for the Columbia defense. The Lions have now won nine of the last 11 meeting against Cornell, including two consecutive home wins.
Up next, Columbia will cap the weekend at Wagner on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
