TicketsSept. 12, 2008
CINCINNATI - Freshman forward Julie Morrissey (Abington, Mass./Tabor Academy) scored the game-winning goal in the second minute of action on Friday night, giving the University of Cincinnati (4-3-0) a 1-0 win at Xavier (0-4-0).
The victory was UC's first shutout of 2008 as Cincinnati's goalkeeper Andrea Kaminski (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) finished with four saves and earned her eighth career shutout.
"Dre (Andrea Kaminski) played outstanding," said head coach Michelle Salmon. "She did a great job staying connected to the back line, which limited Xavier to just two shots in the second half. It's great that she got her first shutout of the season at cross town rival Xavier."
In the second minute, Heather Neiser (Batavia, Ohio/St. Ursula) lofted a pass from the right side to Morrissey who flicked a header, in stride, past Xavier's goalkeeper, Kelly Farrell.
The Bearcats controlled the tempo in the first half, notching seven shots to the Musketeers six.
"I thought Morrissey's goal was world-class, as well as Neiser's serve to her," said Salmon. "We have been working on that in practice, because that's what teams are giving us. I couldn't be more pleased to see us come right out of the gate and score that way."
UC continued its offensive tempo in the second half, outshooting Xavier, 7-2, and finishing the game with a 14-8 shot advantage. The Musketeers were issued three yellow cards in the second period.
"I'm happy with the way we played tonight," said Salmon. I also thought JoJo (Jenn Johannigman (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton)) played lights out in the midfield. It's only fitting that a player from Cincinnati would step up and play the way she did against Xavier."
Cincinnati begins BIG EAST conference play next week, traveling to Louisville for a 7 p.m. match on Friday, Sept. 19.