Spending more than three weeks in Japan winning a gold medal in the U-20 Women's World Cup, junior Becca Wann made her return to Robins Stadium memorable, scoring twice to help the Spiders defeat American University, 2-0.
Despite the storyline, the match was driven into the background by the recent announcement of the school eliminating the men's soccer and men's track and field programs. Dozens of student-athletes gathered to support the men's soccer team's win Friday night, field hockey's win Saturday afternoon, and now women's soccer's win on Saturday night.
"I'm really proud of the sense of community that we all feel," Richmond coach Peter Albright said. His son, Timmy Albright, plays on the men's soccer team. "All the sports teams supporting each other and what a great win for the men, and then the support we got tonight was tremendous, it was a great crowd."
The women's team used the crowd to its advantage in picking up its fourth win in the last five games. Left back Natalie LeClair led a defensive effort that allowed only six shots, with two on goal.
"I thought Natalie was the player of the game," Albright said. "She did a terrific job, but overall, our shape and our spacing and our decision-making are gradually improving. American never threatened our goal, and if you're defending well with good numbers behind the ball, that's the way it should be."
Behind the effective defense, the goal-scoring was made easier. Sophomore Violet Miller hit a cross in front of the goal that Wann finished for the game's first goal midway through the first half.
"We're just connecting the ball more," Wann said. "Last year was more of try to hit it into the corners and serve it in. This year, we're connecting more, and we're much more technical this year. Our passing has been a lot better."
On Wann's second goal, sophomore Ashley Williams kicked a ball in front of the net that ricocheted off Wann's hip and past the goalkeeper. Wann already has four goals in just two games with the team, both Spider victories.
"Becca makes every player on the field 10 percent better," Albright said. "Every player on the field is a little more relaxed, a little more confident, a little sharper. She commands attention, and everybody plays better.
"You saw it the day she walked on the field when she came back from Japan. It's great to have her back."
While Wann established herself as one of the nation's top players last season, this year she believes she can be even better, she said.
"I think I came back from Japan a completely different player," Wann said. "I learned so much when I was there. I was really looking forward to bringing it back and so far, with the way the team progressed while I was gone, it's all worked."
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The Spiders (4-5) will travel next Friday to George Washington to begin Atlantic-10 play.
"I think everybody is playing well and we're in good form," Albright said. "I'm very confident and excited about heading into league play with the way the team is playing right now."
Contact reporter Will Offit at will.offit@richmond.edu
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