TicketsSept. 25, 2005
CINCINNATI, Ohio -- A pair of second-half goals lifted the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team to a 2-1 road victory today against No. 18 Notre Dame, keeping UC unbeaten in BIG EAST play at 4-0-1. The Bearcats improve to 5-2-1 overall, while Notre Dame drops to 5-3-0, 2-2-0 in BIG EAST action.
After a scoreless first half in which the Bearcats outshot Notre Dame, 7-3, UC got on the scoreboard first. Kenny Anaba (Westerville, Ohio/Worthington Christian) beat his defender scored his second goal of the season in the 50th minute to stake UC to a 1-0 lead.
In the 64th minute, UC added to its lead as Amir Ikner (Olathe, Kan./Blue Valley West) headed in a Landry Gray (Richmond, Ky./Lexington Catholic) corner kick for his first goal of the season.
The Irish got right back in it with a goal at the 68:45 mark. Ian Etherington headed in his second goal of the season off a Nate Norman cross.
Goalkeeper Mike Vessells (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin) made six saves, and has allowed just two goal in his last four matches.
Senior captain Matt Hayden (Colorado Spring, Colo./Liberty) made his first start of the season for the Bearcats.
With South Florida's 1-0 win against Pittsburgh this afternoon, Cincinnati maintains a one point lead on the Bulls (4-0-0) in the BIG EAST's Red Division.
Cincinnati will return home for its annual non-conference clash with crosstown rival Xavier. UC and XU will kickoff at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Cincinnati's Gettler Stadium.