TicketsAug. 19, 2005
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team dropped a 4-0 exhibition match to Big 10 power Illinois this afternoon at Gettler Stadium. The Bearcats finish the exhibition portion of their schedule with a 1-1-0 record after defeating Miami (Ohio) on Aug. 16.
The Illini came out strong has their first goal came in the 5th minute of play as Christen Karniski scored off of a header after an Illini free kick. The Bearcat defense strengthened the rest of the half and UC's offense got off 3 shots in the period. The Illini took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Just four minutes into the second half, Eva Strickland got behind Bearcat goalkeeper Brittney Hansen(Toledo, Ohio/St. Ursula) and scored, pushing the Illinois lead to 2-0.
In the 84th minute of play, Natasha Karniski scored off of an assist as result of a corner kick by Laura Redman. Just a minute later, Charlotte Cooke outraced her defender up the sideline and blasted a shot from 25 yards out. Hansen had the ball go through her hands and into the back of the net to provide the final margin.
Senior goalkeeper Sherry Slye(Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon) started in goal, making three saves in the first half. Freshman Hansen played the final 45 minutes for the Bearcats, stopping one shot.
"I'm glad we have the preseason to find out what our weaknesses are and have them exposed a little bit," head coach Meridy Glenn said. "We've got five days now to get ready to open our season and I saw some really positive things today."
The Bearcats will open their regular season play at home on Friday August 26 against 2004 NCAA qualifier, William & Mary. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Gettler Stadium.