Without Matheson, Tigers have scoreless weekend

If the women's soccer team was in the mood to send a postcard from its trip to Williamsburg, Va., this past weekend, it was probably mailed express to junior midfielder Diana Matheson in Vancouver with the message, "Come back soon."

Matheson missed the tournament due to her commitment to the Canadian national team, and the Tigers (2-2-1) were unable to score a single goal, as they tied Virginia Commonwealth University (3-2-2) 0-0 Friday, and fell to host No. 18 William and Mary (6-1-1) 2-0 Sunday.

"It is a large adjustment [to play without Matheson] because Diana has been our playmaker," senior defender Christina Costantino said.

Freshman midfielder Lauren Thomas, starting her first game after a mild injury kept her out early in the season, and sophomore midfielder Jen Om were challenged with making up for Matheson's absence, and though both played well, it will take time before the two fulfill their potential as playmakers.

"It's something to build on, both are amazing players," Costantino said, "but Diana's been someone we've always depended upon in the past and it takes a little while to step into that role."

Matheson has scored three of the team's six goals this season, and without her Princeton was scoreless. Against VCU, the Tigers' most dangerous first half look came when sophomore midfielder Aarti Jain found senior forward Meghan Farrell for what appeared to be a clear shot, but VCU goalkeeper Lauren Hardison ventured out of the net to stifle the attempt.

Sophomore defender Taylor Numann's shot off a corner kick flew just above the crossbar in the 53rd minute, and moments later freshman forward Vicki Anagnostopoulos' shot was saved by Hardison. As the game wound down, the Rams managed to control the tempo and the Tigers went 20 minutes without a shot.

With five minutes remaining in regulation, junior goalkeeper Maren Dale was challenged by a shot from Paernilla Jansson. Dale dove to her right, and despite her body landing within the goal, she kept the ball from crossing the goal line, salvaging the game for the Tigers and forcing overtime.

"Maren Dale was just phenomenal, she was MVP," Costantino said. "She made some amazing saves, and was great at organizing the defense."

The Tiger defense held VCU at bay for two overtimes for a total of 110 minutes of play before a draw was declared.

"[Friday night] we defended really well," Costantino said. "When the legs aren't moving and fatigue sets in, it's just heart."

Thomas had a chance to score in the 98th minute off a free kick, but Hardison was there to thwart the Tigers' efforts again, and the game ended at 0-0.

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On Sunday, the Tigers faced William and Mary — head coach Julie Shackford's alma mater — and though the Tiger defense allowed the Tribe just two looks on goal, both proved unstoppable.

Just 11 minutes into the game, Donna Mataya scored off a pass from Krissy Vornadore, as a diving Dale allowed a goal to slip into the left corner of the net after three straight shutouts.

The Tigers outshot William and Mary, 12-7, but Tribe goalkeeper Meghan Walker stopped the three attempts from Tiger feet that found the goal face.

The Tribe's second goal came with six minutes remaining in the game, as a pass from Emily Kittleson to Kellie Jenkins allowed Jenkins to catch Dale off guard and effectively end Princeton's hopes for a comeback.

Costantino said the tie against VCU was not necessarily a disappointment, and for the Tigers, who are currently starting four freshmen, the weekend provided a valuable result — plenty of experience.

"It's hard when you haven't had as much experience at the college level," Costantino said. "It's mentally an adjustment, but I haven't seen it, they're just playing like they've always played."

Once Matheson is back in the mix, the development of Om and Thompson and Princeton's growing ability to play without her will only make the team more potent when she returns.

"[Playing without Matheson] will help for when Diana comes back, we'll have three sets of playmakers who are all great on the ball," Costantino said. "It'll be doubly threatening."