Battle between Rustin, Unionville ends in goalless draw

By Bryan Davis
bdavis@Mmedianewsgroup.com
@btdavis25 on Twitter

EAST MARLBOROUGH >> West Chester Rustin and Unionville played a typical tough, low-scoring match between the two Ches-Mont League American Division rivals.
With dangerous scoring opportunities as rare as a dodo bird, 120 minutes of soccer could not produce a gal as the two teams played to a 0-0 on a gorgeous Monday night at Unionville Stadium.
“It was an even match, back and forth,” said Rustin coach Ashley Ainsworth. “Both teams have really good chemistry together. We didn’t let up and that’s what I wanted to see.”
The first part of the first half was an even affair, Rustin (4-1-1) had the first real decent chance Holly Turner’s shot from distance went right into the arms of goalie Mia Beaudet.
The closest either came to denting the net came late in the half as Lindsay Krafchick’s floating 25-yard beat Beaudet, but couldn’t beat the crossbar as it clang off the bar and went straight down where Beaudet corralled it.
Rustin started gaining more of the play in the second part of the half, trying to use its technical skill to keep the Longhorns (4-2-1) hemmed in, a situation that Unionville addressed at the break.
“They got the better of us in the first half. They were pinging the ball around and we were ball watching,” said Unionville coach Joe Ratasiewicz. “We changed a little bit and reshaped the midfield and that helped us in the second half.”
Rustin held an 8-3 shot advantage in the first 40 minutes.
The second half was even territorially, and the chances started slowing down as both defenses held firm.
The save of the night came from Beaudet as she went into a full dive to grab a shot from Krafchick.
“It was a really good shot to the corner and she doved horizontally to save us.” said Ratasiewcz. “She has come through big for us, so far.”
The Longhorns started finding their footing in the second half and it carried into the extra sessions. They had the bulk of the possession in the overtime, but couldn’t convert that into a goal. Both teams had two shots and one save in the extra 20 minutes.
“I thought we carried the play in overtime,” said Ratasiewicz. “I think they got a little worn out and we found some energy.”
The Golden Knights had a couple of uncomfortable moment at the end of th second. One, a cross from senior Hope Politi skipped past goalie Erika Seelaus and rolled harmlessly out of play. The second also came from a cross that Seelaus juggled momentarily before securing it.
Neither team was able to threatened the penalty area of the other. All 22 attempts came from distance.
“We’ve always had a strong defense, so I feel our communication, the way they were able to shut down the high pressure of their forwards in attack, I’m pretty happy the way we played defensively,” said Ainsworth.”
The two teams get a day of rest before facing difficult opponents on Wednesday. Unionville travels to Downingtown West, while Rustin plays host to Downingtown East.

Wc rustin 0, unionville 0, 2ot
WC Rustin 0 0 0 0 – 0
Unionville 0 0 0 0 – 0
Goalie saves: Seelaus (WCR) 5; Beaudet (U) 7.