Women's soccer downs Pride 2-0 in exhibition

In its first and only exhibition match of the season, the women's soccer team beat up on the Greensboro College Pride 2-0 Friday night at Koskinen Stadium. Unlike the normal 45 minute halfs that usually occur in soccer, however, this game was played with experimental rules which translated to three 30 minute periods.

Freshman Carmen Bognanno got things started in the 12th minute when she beat Pride goalkeeper Angie Rudy. Bognanno, a member of the class of 2006 which was ranked as one of the 10 best in the country, had won control of a loose ball on the right side, before turning around and blasting home a goal.

Duke's second goal came when Shelly Marshall, another freshman, snuck one in the 59th minute, or 29th minute of the third period. Marshall used a nice feed from Lauren Simel to grab the goal. That was the last score of the night as neither team was able to find the back of the net in the third period.

"These freshman will be able to contribute both on and off the field," head coach Robbie Church said in a statement. "They are a well rounded class and will provide and immediate impact."

For the most part, Duke played solid midfield--an area Church had said would have a lot of depth this season--and strong defense as they held Greensboro to only three shots.

Goalie Katie Straka registered two saves while playing for less than half the game. Tara Walker then came in for the final 50 minutes, but did not face a shot in which she was forced to make a save.

Junior Thora Helgadottir, last season's staring goalie and one of 12 returning letterwinners, did not see any game time because she was resting for next week's matches.

The Blue Devils also looked good up front taking 14 shots of their own, but only converting on two.