Jasmine Usher Propels Reinhardt to Another Conference Road Win

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The spotlight shined bright on newcomer Jasmine Usher against the Rams on the road in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play Wednesday night, as the freshman netted two tallies and an assist to single-handedly propel the Eagles to a positive outcome over Columbia International, 3-0.

Usher had a hand in every score against the Rams – all in the second period – as Reinhardt improved to 7-1 in 2020.

"The team continues to make me proud," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "After a long bus ride, we came out sluggish in the first half, but the team battled all night defensively. In the second half, we picked up our energy and started to control the game.

"Freshman Jasmine Usher provided a huge lift off the bench."

From the opening whistle, the Eagles were dominant; blanking their hosts not only on the scoreboard but also in shots allowed. The Rams had no answer for Reinhardt's pressure, and when the hometown squad found its rhythm over the final 45 minutes, the outcome was never in doubt.

Marta Vicente-Arche helped get her club on the board with a nice assist to Usher at the 60:56 mark to break the scoreless tie. Usher then repaid the favor to Annalisa Castro Garcia about 15 minutes later to build a two-goal lead before another score from Usher (84:57) put a bow on the conference battle.

Brianna Smotherman owned four shot attempts, while three additional teammate collected a trio of shots as well.

Caroline Johnson rested easy behind her suffocating defense for another shutout in-net.

Up next, Union (Ky.) comes to town in a rare Monday afternoon matchup on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Soccer, please click here.