Oct. 5, 2003

Final Stats

Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette women's soccer and California, ranked no. 17 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, both are teams that rely on their defenses. The team that would catch an offensive break was destined to win the match. California (5-2-3) did just that as it defeated Marquette (5-6-1), 2-0.

Neither team had many opportunities in the early portions of the contest, but California struck twice in the final 10 minutes.

After a foul on the left side, California regrouped after Marquette goalkeeper Katie Bissen cleared the free kick. The Golden Bears mounted a quick attack. Emily Ward won a contested ball 10 yards from goal, pushed it to Bri Wiles who found a helpless Bissen between her and the goal for the 1-0 lead in the 81st minute.

"On the attack, they were more sophisticated than we were in creating offensive opportunities," head coach Markus Roeders said.

Wiles earned an assist on the second goal. Catching Marquette pushing up, Wiles fed a ball behind the Marquette defense that Kassie Doubrava was able to capitalize on for the second goal, scoring in the 85th minute.

"The second goal came as a result of the first goal," Roeders said. "It's been hard for us to score and we were pushed up. They were able to take advantage of that."

The Golden Eagles were at the mercy of a stiff California defense. The Golden Bears, who have allowed just six goals all season, did not budge on the back line for most of the match. MU was held to five shots, one of which was on goal. California goalkeeper Anna Key made just one save for the match. MU's Bissen made three, including two in the first half which were in one-on-one situations.

"Katie Bissen came up big and made some key saves," Roeders added. "Defensivley, we played pretty well. We're playing better soccer than we were three weeks ago, but we're not being rewarded for it."

Marquette goes on the road to meet Cincinnati on October 10 at 7 p.m. (EDT).