Soccer Team And McNeese State Tie, 2-2

Friday, August 31

Lake Charles, La.

4:00 PM

Rice University

0-0-1

McNeese State

0-0-1

OT 1

OT 2

Rice

McNeese State

<b>Clory Martin had a goal and an assist in the season-opener.</b>

8/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Aug. 31, 2007

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LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Senior forward Clory Martin had a goal and an assist to lead the Rice soccer team to an early 2-0 lead on a rain-soaked field at McNeese State, but a second-half rally by the Cowgirls and two scoreless overtime periods resulted in a 2-2 tie in the season-opener for both teams Friday evening at the MSU Soccer Complex in Lake Charles, La.

The game was delayed early in the first half due to lightning strikes in the area, but when play resumed some 90 minutes later everything appeared to be going Rice's way. The Owls made the soggy field conditions their own water-theme fun park by scoring two quick, similar-looking goals just over a minute apart from each other. The first was in the 22nd minute. Sophomore midfielder Shelley Wong found Martin between two MSU defenders and placed a pass that Martin was able to corral and get on the offensive. The MSU keeper came out to make a sliding play as Martin dribbled to her right looking for a better angle.

"I guessed kind of lucky on that one because it was an open goal after that," Martin said. "Then we come right back and Caitlin (Robbins) has one almost exactly identical to mine, except for maybe the final placement. We both capitalized on running a good offense, even in bad weather conditions."

Robbins' goal came in the 23rd minute after Martin served a crisp pass on the wing in the attacking third. The redshirt junior made a move to beat the defense and blasted an elevated shot to the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage. Robbins' first goal of the season was also her first in the net in almost a full calender year after sitting out most of 2006 with an injury. Though it was just the opening game of 2007, Robbins' return is clearly going to be a factor all season.

"Wow, it's great to get Caitlin back," Martin added. "I'm much more comfortable with her back up there. You never know exactly what she's going to do, or then how she's going to do it, but you know she's going to work really hard. She's a spunky forward."

Robbins worked a total of 67 minutes in her return to the Blue & Gray. The standout from nearby Lamar High School took eight shots, including four on-goal. The goal was the 17th of her collegiate career.

"It was good to get a goal, but it felt good just finally getting back out there in a real game," Robbins explained. "You don't wait all this time to come back and then expect to have the conditions like we had today. I thought we were in control for most of the game. We're really excited about our offense. We're in an offense where we can create a lot up top. Hopefully we'll continue to do that."

The Owls' offense outshot the Cowgirls by a total of 27 to 12, including a 6-1 margin in the two overtimes. Both McNeese scores were the result of free kicks, and one was on a 25-yard direct free kick. With the clock running down in the second OT, the Owls had two consecutive solid attempts on goal after some great movement in the box. MSU came up with game-saving stops both times.

McNeese State is a talented squad that made the NCAA Tournament a year ago. There's something to be said for facing a national postseason team on the road in the first game of the season, just don't say it front of Rice head coach Chris Huston because even a tie score is not going to meet her expectations for the Owls' program.

"Our goal is to win," Huston said. "I did see a lot of good and encouraging things on offense and defense, but I did not see a win today. I think this is a game we can learn from. We have to elevate our work level and our consistency. The players know we have a lot more tough games ahead so everyone has to be ready and be at their best."

The Owls next face Dartmouth on Sunday (Sept. 2) at 11 am in a neutral setting at Texas A&M. Start time for the match is 11 am in College Station.