LIVE STATS
RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women's soccer team returns to Cupp Stadium after an 18-day absence to battle Charleston Southern Friday at 7 p.m. The match will mark the Big South home opener for the Highlanders, with the winner gaining sole control atop the league standings.
If the saying “defense wins championships” holds true, Radford is well on its way. The Highlanders are currently ranked 19th in the nation in goals-against average (.572) and 20th in shutout percentage (.583).
The defense will face one of its toughest tests of the year, as Charleston Southern possesses the nation's leading scorer, Marky Boyce (14 goals, five game-winners).
“Boyce is very talented and we have to keep an extra eye on her, but she is good because she has good players around her. If you pay too much attention to her, one of their other players will hurt you. We have to be disciplined, organized, and defend as a team like we have all season,” said head coach
Ben Sohrabi.
Friday's matchup will be one of great similarities. The Highlanders and Buccaneers come into the game with 8-4-0 (2-0-0 BSC) records and on a season-best four-game winning streak.
Radford has witnessed a resurgence of the attacking mindset as of late. The Highlanders have won the last four games by a combined 11-1. Sophomore
Mary Wiley has led the charge, scoring a goal in each of the last three matches and has four on the season.
Teammate Julie Ruh'e is no stranger to finding the back of the net this season. The freshman forward has netted a team-best seven goals and currently has 16 points, tied for third in the conference.
Distribution has been key for Radford as 10 different players have shared the 24 goals netted on the season, with 18 assists accompanying the scores.
“I think the players are getting used to each other and the system. We've also been concentrating on taking care of the ball up top and trying to improve on off-the-ball movement. We still have to improve on our finishing and make the most of other team's mistakes and our opportunities.”
