TicketsOct. 15, 2008
CINCINNATI - Branden Stelmak (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights) scored on a header in the 85th minute to lead the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team to a 1-0 win against Alabama A&M on Wednesday night (Oct. 15) at Gettler Stadium.
Stelmak chased down a booming punt from goalkeeper Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) and popped a header over the outstretched arms of charging AAMU keeper Paul Musoke for his third goal of the season and his second game-winnner.
"I am happy for the guys," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "We played well enough to win and it was great to be able to score late and get the win."
A rough first half saw six cards given, including a red card in the 31st minute to the NCAA's leading scorer, MfanaFuthi Bhembe after a challenge on Nick Weightmann (Lenark, Scotland/St. Aidan's).
UC held the run of play, getting off 10 shots to AAMU's three. UC's best opportunity in the half came in the 23rd minute when Weightmann sent a corner kick into the box, finding a wide-open Judson McKinney (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio/Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy) for a header that was saved by Musoke.
Alabama A&M held strong throughout the second half, despite playing a man down. UC continued to press and looked primed to take the lead in the 81st minute when late sub Paul Hoste (Clinton Township, Mich./De LaSalle) ripped a shot from 25 yard to the far post. Musoke was able to get his hands on the rocket just enough to deflect it wide of goal.
Minutes later, Stelmak's winner off Williams' first career assist gave UC its first home win of the season.
The Bearcats outshot the Bulldogs, 18-5, including 7-2 in shots on goal. UC took 10 corner kicks to Alabama A&M's one.
Williams posted his sixth shutout of the season, making two saves.
The Bearcats wrap up a two-match homestand with a 7 p.m. kickoff against BIG EAST foe Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Gettler Stadium.