TicketsAug. 18, 2005
OXFORD, Ohio - A Lauren Buland (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central) goal in the 53rd minute lifted the University of Cincinnati women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory tonight over Miami (Ohio) in the exhibition opener for both teams at Miami Soccer Field.
After beating her defender along the left sideline, senior Marie Strelka (Trumbull, Conn./Trumbull) had the ball knocked off her foot. Buland was trailing the play and lofted a high-arching shot over the outstretched hands of Miami keeper Leigh Terry and into the upper right hand corner of the net. Strelka was very active on the offensive end, creating several chances for herself and teammates.
Freshman goalkeeper Brittney Hansen (Toledo, Ohio/St. Ursula) played the entire match for the Bearcats, pitching a shutout in her first collegiate appearance.
The Bearcats were unable to capitalize in the first half, despite outshooting the RedHawks, 6-0. Early in the second half, however, a flurry of shots led to Buland's game-winner.
The Bearcats kept the offensive pressure on the entire match, outshooting Miami by a 12-4 count.
"We really worked hard at working together," said head coach Meridy Glenn. "This was definitely a confidence-builder and we will take that confidence into Friday."
The Bearcats will play their final exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 19, when they welcome Illinois to Gettler Stadium for a 3 p.m. kickoff. UC will then open regular season play at home against 2004 NCAA qualifier William & Mary on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.