Rooks Go Scoreless Against Rally Madison FC

CHICAGO — Edgewater Castle Football Club loses against Rally Madison FC Tuesday, June 16, in a 3-0 loss. Goalkeepers Molly Vapensky and Lucy Clark combined for eight total saves, while Rally Madison’s Megan Murray scored two goals and Taylor Gordon scored one. 

The first half opened with Rally Madison in possession of the ball. Rally Madison started aggressively, giving way to a shot by Delaney Hoelker in the first 16 seconds of the game. Hoelker shot from inside the box and missed to the right side of the goal.

In the fifth minute, defender Kelsey Hamm hit the first shot towards Rally Madison’s goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Lilianna Berg. Shooting remained stagnant for the Rooks throughout the remainder of the half. At the 14th minute Rooks’ midfielder Kily Egan shot the team's second attempt to try and take the lead. The shot flew over the crossbar and the score remained tied at 0.

The Rooks held strong defensively, led by Vapensky, defending  two back-to-back corner kicks each happening in the 22nd and 23rd minute. The first ended on a jumping save by Vapensky and defender Jennifer Devona cleared the second to give the Rooks some breathing room.

Right before the first half concluded, Rally Madison’s forward Megan Murray scored a goal in the 34th minute which was assisted by midfielder Catherine Arnold, ending the half 1-0, in favor of Rally Madison. 

The second half began with the Rooks in possession along with the substitution of Clark for Vapensky. In the 48th minute, defender Danielle Boudakh received a yellow card .

Rally Madison attempted to capitalize with a shot towards the box, but it was swiftly denied by Clark. Clark continued to keep Rally Madison goalless as she cleared a corner kick in the 58th minute.

Rally Madison continued their aggressive playstyle, resulting in a goal opportunity in the 62nd minute. After a punt from Rally Madison’s goalie Zillman, Murray scored another goal as she chipped the ball over Clark at the top of the goal box.  

In the 65th minute,  their aggressive style forced another chance for Rally Madison, when forward Taylor Gordon scored the third goal to put Rally Madison up 3-0.

Clark denied two more shots in the 70th and 72nd minute to prevent any more goals. Not long after, midfielder Lida Dodge received  a yellow card, but once again Rally Madison couldn’t capitalize on the chance. 

In the 82nd minute, forward Kristina Lynch took a shot at the goal which was denied by Rally Madison’s goalkeeper Malia Zillman, who was subbed in at the half. Clark continued to make saves to deny Rally Madison any more goals as the game concluded.

The Rooks will continue their USL W competition on the road Saturday, June 20, where they will face Sioux Falls City FC at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, S.D. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. and streaming is available on SportsEngine Play.