The University of Rochester scored one goal early in each half to clinch the 2-0 victory in the 2011 Women's Flower City Soccer Tournament over Skidmore College Saturday afternoon.

The game started out with a strong offensive attack from Skidmore, with the Thoroughbreds (rec.) dominating the first five minutes of the game, getting multiple scoring chances. The pressure was something the Rochester defense did not have to deal with in the opening round match against Medaille College, who was held without a shot. Skidmore defeated SUNY Geneseo 3-1 in their opening round match.

The pressure was soon relieved when Rochester got a throw in on the right sideline by junior Rachel Wesley (Millwood, NY/Horace Greely). Wesley threw a perfect ball into the front of the net to senior Ellen Coleman (Wauwatosa, WI/Wauwatosa West) who then headed a pass right to senior Beth Martens (Hughesville, PA/Blair Academy) who also used her head to put it back into the net and put Rochester up 1-0 six minutes into the game. Early in the season, Martens and Coleman are showing a good chemistry and it appears that head coach Tom Dardaganis has found formidable duo up front this season.

After the Yellowjackets took the lead on that early goal, the momentum really seemed to turn to favor Rochester. Soon after, Coleman had two or three solid scoring chances but just missed adding to the lead.

In the 10th minute, Skidmore had a nice chance of their own with Kelsey Yam feeding a great pass over two Yellowjacket defenders right on the foot of teammate Abby Benton but the shot attempt was saved nicely by UR sophomore goalkeeper Allison Bernstein (West Chester, PA/Unionville). Mid way through the first half, the defensive standout for Rochester was clearly freshman Kailee Zornow (Penfield, NY/Penfield) who was seen clearing many balls and keeping the Skidmore forwards in check.

Late in the first half, Rochester achieved a couple of good scoring chances from the freshman duo of Hayley Engel (St. Paul MN/Shattuck St. Mary's) and Morgan O'Brien (Orefield PA/Parkland), but both chances were foiled by Skidmore goalkeeper Gab Lawrence.

The Thoroughbred defense kept the score at 1-0 with strong effort from backs Lucy Campbell and Katie Rasche, who both made multiple clears when Rochester was on the attack late in the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, an attempted clearance in the Skidmore end of the field landed right on the foot of Wesley who then wound up and fired a strike from 25 yards out into the back of the net, just over the outstretched arms of the goalie to give Rochester a 2-0 lead.

Skidmore once again had a couple nice chances midway through the second half when Elena Stansky and Caty Sheridan displayed some give-and-go moves, but Rochester goaltender Bridget Lang (Chesterfield, NJ/Peddie School) kept the Thoroughbreds off the scoreboard. Not long after, a free kick was awarded and Sarah LaBella fired a shot from the left wing but Lang stood strong and punched the hard shot away to eliminate the scoring opportunity.

Skidmore ended up outshooting UR 13 (6 on goal) to 9 (4 on goal) but Rochester goalies Lang and starter Berstein held their opponents in check just like they did in the opener versus Medaille. Lang recorded four saves and Berstein had two to combine for their second straight shutout.

Two corner kicks in the 81st minute gave Skidmore's Yam two more excellent chances but Lang made the saves to thwart the rally. The 84th minute brought another fine chance for Skidmore after a free kick was awarded right at the top of the box at the center of the goal, but the player wall did its job and deflected the shot away.

The UR defense held strong for the remaining five minutes and ended up holding on for the 2-0 victory.

Rochester next plays SUNY Fredonia in the SUNY Fredonia Clarion Classic 9/9 and 9/10.

Tournament Awards:
1st Place: University of Rochester Yellowjackets
2nd Place: Skidmore College Thoroughbreds
3rd Place: SUNY Geneseo Blue Knights
4th Place: Medaille College Mavericks
Tournament MVP: Rochester F/D Rachel Wesley (Millwood, NY/Millwood)
Offensive Player of the Tournament: Skidmore M Kelsey Yam (Longmeadow, MA/Longmeadow)
Defensive Player of the Tournament: Rochester D Danielle Crean (Victor, NY/Victor)