Fordham/ LaSalle Blog
Thursday Night - Oct. 1:
After a quick and easy flight from Columbus (on a propeller plane), we arrived in New York and headed to the Spanish Tavern for dinner. Although the location seemed rather dodgy the food went down a treat and I enjoyed paella with Alli Giner. Tania and Sergio's families each joined us for the meal- we were all smitten with Tania's nephew John Luca, as he went from table to table flirting with all the girls. Bianca, her niece, informed me that I look like a five year old, and on that note we left. Feeling full and tired we headed to the Holiday Inn for a quick meeting and hit the hay for a good night's rest.

Friday - Oct. 2:
Starting the day bright and early, we walked over to a local bagel shop where I got a plain bagel with loads of cream cheese. Tori (Oelschlager) informed me that all the cream cheese was a heart attack on a bagel. (Heart's still beatin!) We had a brief rest before leaving for a short training session where we got a few touches on the ball and practiced some set pieces. We ate lunch at Houlihans followed by some relaxation at the hotel. Due to some history of getting lost in the Bronx, we set off with eight and a half hours to spare and made it there in record time with plenty of mental prep.

We were all pumped going into the game, knowing Fordham is always a tough match. Alysha (Mallon) scored her first collegiate goal just before halftime from a sweet play by Mac (Lauren MacCormick) - it was a beautiful chip over the goalie. The second goal came late in the second half from Jerica D. We had a nice visit afterward with a former UD Flyer who came to support us. Feeling pleased with our win, we headed back to retire for the night.

Saturday - Oct. 3:
Once again, we woke up bright and early, had a quick team stretch and headed to our favorite bagel shop for breakfast. I went for the healthy option at Dunkin Doughnuts and got a doughnut, hash browns and a coffee. We loaded up on the bus and trekked to Willie's (Colleen Williams) for a scrumptious lunch prepared by her parents and Alysha's mom. Feeling full off all the desserts, once again got back on the bus and sped off to the Embassy Suites hotel, loaded with our Halloween goodie bags courtesy of Willie's grandparents.

After a quick nap, we bussed to South Street in Philly where we did a little shopping and I tried a Philly Cheesesteak for the first time. We were glad to get a chance to walk around the area, but were tired and ready for bed after a long day of traveling.

Sunday - Oct. 4:
Yet another early morning for the UD Flyers. We ate a filling breakfast in the hotel and rested a bit before the game. With our bags packed and our uniforms on, we left for LaSalle on a sunny Sunday morning. Arriving at the field, we were greeted by a large fan base consisting of Willie and Alysha's entire family, friends, friends of family, friends of friends, and Philadelphia UD Alumni.

We got off to a shaky start in the first half conceding only our third goal of the entire season. Starting the second half with much more intensity, we were able to keep fighting and bring the score back to a draw with only ten minutes left with a screaming goal coming from Kelly B. (Blumenschein). That took us into overtime, where we decided that we would not settle with a fifth draw on the season. (We were also anxious by our early flight time home.) With four seconds left, Mandi had a great finish off a breakaway from a through ball by Mac. The team celebrated by jumping on Mandi, but the celebrations ended quickly as we sprinted to the bus to leave for the airport.

We ended up getting delayed for a long two hours. Eventually we boarded and everyone was very chatty and ready to go home. Cara Cornacchia was fortunate enough to be placed in front of me for the flight, in which I proceeded to turn off her light every time she turned it back on to read. She thought it was a malfunction but unfortunately it was just the team joke to pass time.

We were all pleased to arrive home and climb into bed after a successful weekend. Can't wait for next weekend- let's go Flyers!

- Josie (with inspiration from Kelly B.)