Aug. 25, 2006

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MILWAUKEE - In its season opener, the 16th-ranked Marquette women's soccer team downed Bowling Green, 3-0, at Valley Fields. Junior transfer Allison Mallams led the Golden Eagles tallying two goals in the win and junior goalkeeper Laura Boyer earned helped Marquette to its first of the season in just over 80 minutes in net.

"It's a win, we will take it," said head coach Markus Roeders. "They didn't make it easy for us. We had to dictate the tempo and rhythm of the game. It is a good start but it is not where we want to be right now. We gave a lot of player an opportunity. It is something we will build on."

Marquette tallied its first goal in the 21st minute when Mallams scored the first goal of her Marquette career on a 10 yard blast right past Bowling Green keeper Tiffany Hansen. Senior Lauren Webber was credited with the assist.

Mallams, who sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules, scored again to put the Golden Eagles ahead, 2-0, with an unassisted strike with 6:14 left in the first half. She swooped in and took control of the ball on a hesitant Bowling Green defense as it was unable to to make a successful clear.

"It was a great start for the team," said Mallams. "I was nervous, but I think it they were good nerves which kept me going. After the first goal I just needed to keep going. But after the second one, I still wanted to keep going. I am finally playing and ready for the next game."

Senior Meghan Connelly added the third goal, her first of the season, for the Golden Eagles after sophomore Emily Fitzpatrick knocked down a Bowling Green goalkick and crossed it Connelly who sent it to the far post.

The Golden Eagles dominated the Falcons in shots, 15-0, including nine shots on goal, and held a 8-0 corner kicks advantage.

"Defensively, we always try to be sound," Roeders said. "If they don't make a shot and all our goalie has to do is pick up a few balls, what else can we ask for."

The Golden Eagles had a couple of opportunities early in the game that were saved by Hansen as Connelly was fed from the backfield and broke away from Bowling Green's defense just four minutes into the contest. A few minutes later, Mallams blew past the Bowling Green defense but her shot, right at Hansen's, chest was saved.

Mallams created another chance within minutes of the start of the second half for Marquette to increase its advantage with a feed to Christy Zwolski who's shot was saved by Hansen.

Bowling Green's only chance came when Gina Rossi drew a foul on defender Michelle Pitzl which set up an indirect kick for the Falcons in the 20th minute. However, their attempt was quickly shutdown by the Golden Eagles defense.

Marquette's win was part of the 2006 Milwaukee Cup. Wis.-Milwaukee defeated Sacred Heart, 2-0, in the first match of the tournament. Marquette plays Sacred Heart on Sunday, August 27 at noon at UWM's Engelmann Field, while UWM hosts Bowling Green following the Marquette match.