Jazo boots two game-winners for Rams

The Cornell women's soccer team made the most of its scoring chances, getting a pair of game-winning goals from freshman forward Kaci Jazo and kicking off the new campaign 2-1 under first-year head coach Kirsten Russell.

The Rams overcame 90-degree temperatures and a short bench to claim a 2-1 overtime victory over Grinnell at home Thursday in the season opener. Cornell returned to its home field on a storm Saturday and got another late goal from Jazo for a 1-0 triumph over Illinois College.

Cornell wrapped a busy opening stretch Sunday, dropping a 3-0 decision to Augustana in Rock Island, Ill. With the two wins, the Rams have already matched their season total from a year ago.

It took the Rams only 10 minutes of match time to register their first goal of the fall. Sophomore Kendra Wisely found the back of the net on a pass from sophomore Chelsea Harris that gave Cornell an early 1-0 advantage against Grinnell.

Grinnell tied the match in the 46th minute at 1-1, a score that stood through regulation. Two minutes into the overtime period, Jazo showed her playmaking ability with an unassisted goal that sent the Rams off the field victorious. Jazo broke free near midfield and chipped the ball over the keeper, off the cross bar and into the net.

Freshman goalkeeper Kassi Todryk picked up the win, collecting eight saves against a Pioneer attack that held a 23-6 advantage in total shot attempts. Jazo and Harris had two shots apiece for the Rams.

Jazo again was the difference against Illinois College in a rainy contest that was scoreless through 84 minutes. That is when Jazo created an opening on the wing and punched in the winning goal.

Todryk made the lead stand for her second complete-game victory at keeper. She finished with five saves. Cornell outshot the Lady Blues 11-8, nine of the Rams' attempts coming in the second half. Jazo accounted for five shots.

The Rams ran out of steam in the shutout loss at Augustana. The Vikings scored twice in the opening 20 minutes and owned a 30-2 edge in shots for the match.

Todryk went the distance at keeper and finished with 12 saves.

Coming up - The Rams are back in action with two matches this weekend. Upper Iowa comes to town Saturday, Sept. 10 for a 12 p.m. kickoff. Cornell visits Beloit (Wis.) for a 1 p.m. start Sunday, Sept. 11.