Oct. 16, 2009

Box Score

CINCINNATI, Ohio - Junior forward Ashley Bares scored the only goal the No. 22 Marquette women's soccer team would need to defeat Cincinnati at Gettler Stadium, 1-0, Friday evening. The Golden Eagles earned a crucial road win and improve to 10-4-2 overall, 4-2-2 in BIG EAST play, while the Bearcats fall to 7-8-1 overall, 2-5-1 in league play.

"Congrats to our team on an outstanding win in a tough environment," said head coach Markus Roeders. "We played effective soccer under the conditions and Cincinnati isn't an easy opponent to beat at home.  For us to come here and walk away with a win and a shutout, we are very pleased. As much as we would have loved to possess the ball more, we created some great chances and probably could have scored a couple more."

Bares scored Marquette's lone goal in the 36th minute, after entering the game just seven minutes earlier. Sophomore Rachael Sloan served the ball in from the right side after she beat a Bearcat defender in the corner. Bares found herself in striking distance as she beat her defender and headed it in near post from seven yards out. It was Bares first goal of the season and ninth game winner of her career.

"All of our forwards had chances, and it is good to see Ashley finally getting on the board for the year. She has been working hard to get one and the timing couldn't be any better," said Roeders.

Marquette dominated play, holding the Bearcats to just two shots, while the Golden Eagles fired off 15, eight of which were on target. Marquette attacked from the opening whistle launching 10 of its 15 shots in the first half.

Following the score, the Golden Eagles looked for an insurance goal with Sloan, senior Becky Ryan, and junior Rosie Malone-Povolny all put shots on goal. Sophomore Lindsey Page nearly gave MU a 2-0 lead early in the second frame as she found herself one-on-one with Bearcat keeper Andrea Kaminski, but pushed her shot wide right of the goal.

"The turf makes it extremely tough because the ball is constantly bouncing off the ground.  You have play flicks and be aware of the second ball," said Roeders of playing at Gettler Stadium. "Cincinnati is familiar with this environment and we did a really good job of adjusting to the surface.  We had numerous quality shots in the first half and were extremely tight defensively throughout the match.  Our defensive effort continues to allow us to win games.  We gave up two shots tonight to a Cincinnati team that always is a huge hurdle at home.  The team stuck to the game plan and was rewarded." 

The Golden Eagles will return to action Sunday against Louisville at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT at Cardinal Park. The game against Louisville will be broadcast locally in Louisville on WHAS-TV.

"It's a quick turn around for Sunday and Louisville is always tough. They are much better than their record, and we will need another stellar performance," said Roeders. 

Game Notes
• With nine game-winning goals for her career Ashley Bares stands tied for third all-time on the game-winning goals list.
• Natalie Kulla has 10 shutouts for the season to put her tied for first on MU's single season shutout list.
• The Golden Eagles' 10 wins mark the 14th consecutive season they have registered at least 10 wins.

• Marquette earned the only shutout against Cincinnati at Gettler Stadium on the season.