TicketsHughes' Hat Trick Gives Bearcats Win
Junior leads UC to 3-0 triumph over Wright St.
Contact: Shawn Sell
8/25/2004
Jeff Hughes exploded for three second half goals in Wednesday's win over Wright State. |
CINCINNATI, Ohio?Jeff Hughes scored three second half goals to lead Cincinnati to a 3-0 exhibition win over Wright State in collegiate men?s soccer action on Wednesday night at the Xavier University Soccer Complex.
Hughes, a transfer from Western Michigan who led the Mid-American Conference in scoring last season, netted all three of his scores in a period of less than 20 minutes to lead the Bearcats to the victory. A pair of UC keepers pitched the shutout, with Mike Vessells recording three saves and John-Michael Boggs adding a fourth.
?Jeff Hughes had a great offensive performance tonight,? said Bearcat head coach Hytlon Dayes. ?But that?s the type of player he is, explosive and a great scorer.?
The scoring got underway just two minutes into the second half as Hughes tallied his first score. The junior played a rebounded ball off the hands of Raider goalkeeper Jason Balach and deposited it into the goal for a 1-0 Bearcat lead. In the contest?s 59th minute, senior midfielder Jeremiah Gallegos fed a through ball ahead to Hughes who gathered in the pass and beat Balach from 30 yards out.
Hughes was at it again once again in the 67th minute as he broke through the Wright State defense for an unassisted goal.
?I thought Wright State allowed us to play our game,? Dayes continued. ?Our guys in the back did a good job and overall I thought it was an improved performance from our match with Dayton. Now we have a week to get ready for a tough home opener against IUPUI.?
The match proved to be a physical battle as the Raiders were whistled for 16 fouls to 15 for the Bearcats. In addition, a total of five yellow cards were issued during the contest.
At the half, the shots were even at four, but the visitors nearly had a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. Raider forward Ricky Strong got loose for a point blank shot in front of the net, but Vessells made a spectacular diving save to keep it a scoreless contest.
By match?s end, the Bearcats held a dominating 14-7 advantage in shots, thanks in part to a 10-3 edge in the second half.
As mentioned the Bearcats will now prepare for their season and home opener next Wednesday (Sept. 1). Kickoff against IUPUI is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the newly renovated Gettler Stadium.