Dye, Whitmore Lead Delaware Rising Past Mansfield in Storm-Delayed Victory
Delaware Rising captured its fifth victory of the season with a 2-0 win on the road against Mansfield Liederkranz. The win gives Rising 15 points, three clear of Susserfuss-Ballverin and North FC for the top spot in the Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL).
Sunday’s match experienced a 35-minute delay due to severe weather in the area. Torrential rain, lightning, and wind hammered the region. While the teams sheltered in place, local media broke into the World Cup coverage to warn viewers about a tornado warning just one county over.
Once the weather subsided, both teams made their way to the field for a brief warmup period before the action began.
Both sides did their best to negotiate the conditions presented by Mother Nature. The field remained in great shape despite the storm, as both teams dealt with lengthy grass but no mud.
Rising struck first when a mishit ball from the Liederkranz goalkeeper found the boot of Natalie Dye (Detroit Mercy). The Rising forward was quick to react, firing the ball into the back of the net to give her side a 1-0 advantage.
Delaware continued searching for a second goal, but Mansfield refused to concede and looked to strike on the counterattack. Goalkeepers Sally Patton (Loyola Chicago) and Ella Schwertfager (Otterbein) continued their strong run of form, combining for four saves, with each making two stops.
Forward Lindsey Whitmore (Otterbein) added an insurance goal late in the second half to seal the 2-0 victory.
Rachel Austin Returns
Following her coaching debut last season, forward Rachel Austin (Capital) returned to the field after suffering a devastating lower-leg injury during her senior season with the Comets.
She shared her thoughts with me after the match.
Up next
Delaware looks to continue its winning ways as it travels to Northwest Ohio for a date with Valentis Athletica. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 PM.