Falicia Powell scored the third and final goal for James River as they defeated Midlothian 3-1 in Monday night's game.
More Photos
View All


by Chris Naquin
DigitalSports Richmond

James River, ranked third in the DigitalSports Top 10 Poll, defeated eighth-ranked Midlothian 3-1 in Monday night's game.

The Rapids took an early 1-0 lead just five minutes into the match off of a Aubrie Ewell goal.

James River's forward Erin Liberatore was able to make some room for herself at the top of Midlothian's box and blast a shot that bounced off the crossbar and onto Ewell's head, who was able to direct it into the goal.

It did not take long for the Trojans to equalize.

Five minutes later, forward Jaime Whitesel smashed a ball into the Rapids net from six yards out off of a Midlothian corner kick to even the game at 1-1 heading into the half.

James River continued with high pressure in the second half and were able to take the lead again just seven minutes in.

This time, it was Ewell who assisted on the goal.

Ewell delivered a high cross to midfielder Courtney Zamporello who crashed the back post.

Zamporello headed the ball over the Midlothian goalie and into the net putting the Rapids up 2-0.

Midlothian's sophomore forward Erin Layne made some excellent runs up top for the Trojans to try to even the game but could not seem to find the back of the net.

With just under nine minutes to play in regulation, James River outside midfielder Falicia Powell delivered the final blow to the Trojans as she was able to finish from 12 yards out giving the Rapids the 3-1 win.

"At halftime we talked about passing it around and connecting making sure we played smart and simple," DigitalSports Girls Soccer Player of the Week Taylor Mertz said in regards to the halftime rally and what to expect out of James River in districts and regional play.

"We want to come out on top for the third year in a row and keep up that streak."

James River 1 2 - 3
Midlothian   1 0 - 1
JR: Ewell, Zamparello, Powell.
M: Whitesel.
Records: James River (8-1 Dominion District, 9-1); Midlothian (3-3, 6-4).