March 3, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. - Wake Forest competed in two exhibition games hosted by Duke at Cary's Wake Med Soccer Park on Saturday. The two 60 minute games were played back-to-back against Duke, followed by the University of Florida.

WF 0, Duke 0

The game was competitive in midfield with both teams trying to find attacking seams. The scoring chances were rare for both teams. Wake Forest played well defensively crediting Laura Morse with the shutout. Kristina Hanley returned in great form for her first game at center back since an injury sidelined her in early September.

WF 2 Florida 0

The possession was virtually even in the first half with both teams creating scoring chances. Amanda Barasha made a great save early and had a solid game in goal for the Demon Deacon second shutout of the day. The - backline of Casey Luckhurst, Kristina Hanley, Caitlin Farrell and Kaley Fountain were very solid all day. The first goal came off a great tackle in midfield by Amy Smerdzinski creating a loose ball for Sarah Winslow to drive down the right side and crossing to Allie Sadow. Sadow received the ball 10 yards out turned her defender and drilled a low shot for the goal.

The second goal came from a fantastic counter-attack in the second half. Florida hit a corner kick, Caitlin Farrell won the header with the rebound going to Amanda Barasha. Barasha quickly threw the ball out to Amy Smerdzinski who played a streaking Victoria Delbono through for a breakaway, Delbono played a perfect cross to Sarah Winslow who deftly chipped the oncoming goalkeeper. Jill Hutchinson was unlucky later as she hit a driven shot off the left post. Wake Forest pressured Florida very well throughout the game and controlled possession for most of the 2nd half.

Overall, two solid performances from the Demon Deacons in claiming 4 points with a win and a tie.

On March 29, WFU will continue exhibition matches in Athens, Georgia against Georgia and Tennessee.

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