TicketsMay 15, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team wrapped up its 2009 spring season on Saturday, April 25, with a 2-0 victory against Ohio State, finishing the campaign with an undefeated mark of 5-0-4.
The highlights included a 1-0-2 mark against 2008 NCAA Tournament qualifiers Indiana, Ohio State, and Dayton, as well as a 2-2 draw with Division II Final Four qualifier Northern Kentucky.
The Bearcats outscored opponents, 11-2, and posted eight shutouts during the nine-match spring season.
Head coach Hylton Dayes was happy with how the campaign progressed and felt that the Bearcats played their best soccer in the later part of the season.
"We were able to look at guys in different positions and we were able to give a lot of our young players match experience, which will help us come the fall season," head coach Hylton Dayes said.
UC scored 11 goals during the season, with Mark Konitsch leading the squad with three goals and one assist. Branden Stelmak and Judson McKinney scored two goals apiece.
"We were able to score some goals, which was one of the main things we wanted to accomplish this spring," Dayes said.
All four goalkeepers saw action in spring matches with Matt Williams and Miguel Rosales seeing the most time. They helped UC to shutouts in eight of the nine spring matches.
"I thought both guys played well this spring," said Dayes. "Matt gave up two goals in our first spring match, but he and Miguel kept a clean sheet throughout the rest of the spring."
With the spring season complete, Dayes and the Bearcats are hoping to take their confidence from the spring over to the preseason and the start of the fall campaign.
The 2009 season begins on Aug. 21, 2009, at Gettler Stadium with an exhibition game against Cincinnati State. The regular season begins on the road with a matchup at in-state rival Dayton on Sept. 1.