Dayton Flyers

Sept. 17, 2006

Columbus, OH - The Dayton Flyers (1-3-3) fell to #10 California (5-1-2) in the second day of the Ohio State University Invitational on Sunday afternoon in Columbus. Despite some good looks at the goal during the first half, the Flyers were unable to convert. California found themselves on the receiving end of several corner kicks, two of which ended in goals for the Golden Bears.

The Flyers had several opportunities to score early in the first half. In the 2nd minute of the match, freshman Mandi Back fed a swiftly advancing Kristen Persichini, whose shot glanced off the California goalkeeper's hands. Persichini was there for her own rebound, but her shot went right of the goal.

Nine minutes later, Natalia Walters and Caitlin Proffitt sprinted down the field on a give and go ending with a shot by Walters that went just high of the crossbar. The final scoring opportunity of the first half went to Courtney Sirmans, who had her shot off a corner kick in the 42nd minute blocked by a Cal defender.

The Golden Bears took full advantage of their chances during the first half. Both goals came off well-placed corner kicks during the 23rd and 35th minute. Dayton junior goalkeeper Niki Reed made three saves in the first half, and tallied six total for the game. Reed received some assistance in the box as Amanda Gallow and Eileen Hughes cleared out potential goals in the last five minutes of the first half.

Dayton returns home to start A-10 conference play on Friday, September 22. The Flyers will face rival Xavier University at 5:30 p.m. ET at Baujan Field. The game will be part of Rivalry Day for the Flyers. The women's game will be followed by the men taking the field against cross-town rival Wright State University.