Aug. 27, 2010

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MILWAUKEE - Rachael Sloan, Maegan Kelly and Lisa Philbin all tallied goals as the No. RV/23 Marquette University women's soccer team topped Auburn, 3-0, in MKE Cup action Friday night at Valley Fields. With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 2-0-1 overall, while the Tigers, who are also receiving votes in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, drop to 1-1-0. 

Marquette's first shot attempt of the game turned out to be the game winner as Sloan scored MU's first goal, a finish to the far post from Julia Victor, at the 13:31 mark.

The Golden Eagles seemed to settle down after the first goal, but didn't end up with another strike until the second half even though the Marquette registered six more shots, three of which were on goal, after the first tally.

Marquette continued to control play in the second half and got off the first two shots before the Tigers were able to register one.

Kelly had two great looks at the goal that were saved before she found the back of the net in the 73rd minute. It was an all-rookie goal from start to finish as Cara Jacobson fed the ball to Taylor Madigan who dished it off to Kelly about 20 yards in front of the goal. Kelly's shot hit the crossbar and bounced in over the goal line for the score.

Philbin made it 3-0 at the 72:51 mark with her one-time strike off a cross from Lauren Acree.

Marquette went deep into its bench yet again as 24 Golden Eagles saw action against the Tigers. Nine of those 24 tallied at least one shot for the game as Marquette outshot the Tigers 14-5.

For the game, Natalie Kulla made four saves and earned her second shutout of the season, 24th of her career to move into sole possession of second place on MU's all-time shutouts list. Mo Bothwell holds the all-time record with 29.

Auburn's Amy Howard was credited with five saves.

In the first MKE Cup game of the day, New Mexico and UW-Milwaukee played to 1-1 double overtime draw.

The Panthers and the Tigers will play at Valley Fields on Sunday in the first game at 11 a.m., while the Golden Eagles will meet New Mexico in the tournament finale at 1:30 p.m.

Game Notes
• Marquette moves to 17-4 all-time in the MKE Cup and 12-3 when those games are played at Valley Fields.
• Marquette will look for its fourth MKE Cup and first since 2006 Sunday when it hosts New Mexico.