The wind howled, rain cascaded harder and harder as the night wore on, slickening the pitch with each passing minute, but the back of the Ohio Dominican goal went untouched through it all as the Grand Valley State women's soccer team fell at home for the first time since Nov. 21, 2008. Despite a commanding 19-5 edge in shots, the No. 3 Lakers saw their 69-match home unbeaten streak—tied for the fifth-longest streak in NCAA history—come to an end in Friday (Oct. 17) evening's 1-0 loss.
Jordan Mazzi's 57
th-minute goal, which came off a rebounded shot, was all the Panthers needed to snap GVSU's 30-match GLIAC winning streak—the sixth-longest run in Division II history.
The Lakers played into a strong wind for nearly all of the second half, making it difficult to generate offensive chances, particularly after ODU seized the lead.
Sophomore forward
Katie Bounds, sophomore midfielder
Marti Corby and freshman forward
Gabriella Mencotti combined for the only three shots GVSU put on goal.
With the first home loss to a GLIAC foe since Oct. 24, 2004, the Lakers fall to 12-2 overall and 7-1 in league play. GVSU is still the only conference team with seven wins, but Michigan Tech (6-0-1) is now the only club without a loss in GLIAC play.
Fortunately, the Lakers tend to respond well following a loss. Since 2002, GVSU is 20-2-2 when following a loss; it outscored opponents 71-10 in those matches. The club has not suffered back-to-back losses since dropping the final two matches of its 2002 campaign. After its 1-0 setback at then-No. 7 Minnesota State earlier this year, the Lakers bounced back with a 3-2 victory at Ferris State, sparking a nine-match winning streak.
GVSU will look to get back on track against Ashland on Sunday (Oct. 19) afternoon. Kick off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Allendale.
Notes:-The Lakers are now 4-0-1 all-time against Ohio Dominican
-Then-No. 12 Ashland was the last GLIAC club to defeat GVSU on its own pitch back on Oct. 24, 2004
-Tonight's loss also snapped GVSU's 37-match winning streak in October home matches
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Charlie Socia made her 89th consecutive appearance, moving her within one match of tying Ashley Elsass and Katy Tafler for the fifth-longest streak in program history
-This is only the third time since 2006 the Lakers have lost two matches in a season—the other two clubs still reached the NCAA Semifinals, with the 2006 team advancing to the NCAA Championship match
