TicketsSept. 28, 2008
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision against BIG EAST foe Marquette on a beautiful autumn Sunday (Sept. 28) afternoon at Gettler Stadium.
The Bearcats (2-5-2, 0-3-1 BIG EAST) outplayed the undermanned Golden Eagles for much of the match, but were unable to finish any scoring opportunities.
While UC dominated the possession and scoring chances in the second half, Marquette (2-3-3, 1-3-1) got on the board in the 71st minute on a counterattack. Calum Mallace played a pass into the right flank for Josh Curry. Curry's cross into the box was met by Nick Kay, who volleyed a right-footed shot past UC goalkeeper Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) for what proved to be the game winner.
The Bearcats amped up the pressure, but continued to come away empty-handed. A golden opportunity struck in the 85th minute when Branden Stelmak (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights) was pushed down in the penalty area by Marquette's Tim Jalow. The ensuing penalty kick, taken by the Bearcats' Nick Weightmann (Lenark, Scotland/St. Aiden's), was gobbled up by Marquette keeper Matt Pyzdrowski, keeping the clean sheet intact and sending MU to its first BIG EAST win of the season.
"We just weren't able to finish," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "Marquette defended well, but we had plenty of chances and we just couldn't put one in. We need to find a way to get it done. We've got to get better."
Williams made four saves for the Bearcats, including a pair on successive shots by Brian Odem late in the first half to keep the match scoreless. Pyzdrowski posted his third shutout of the season, making eight saves.
Three of UC's first four BIG EAST opponents have been ranked in the Top 20 in the nation, demonstrating the depth and power of the league. The Bearcats will travel to Villanova in search of the first BIG EAST win of the season on Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the VU Soccer Complex.