TicketsSept. 11, 2009
adidas Bearcat Classic Central | Listen to Sunday's match vs. Akron | |
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team improved to 4-0 for the first time since 1989 with a 3-0 win against Western Illinois on Friday (Sept. 11) night at Gettler Stadium. No. 1/1 Akron handled High Point in the first match of the tournament, 4-1.
Cincinnati's offense stayed hot in this match, as the Bearcats scored three first-half goals. UC has now scored 15 goals this season after tallying just 13 times in 19 matches in all of 2008.
Junior Nick Weightman (Lanark, Scotland/Webber International) got Cincinnati on the board in the 19th minute when he took a feed from Mark Konitsch (Clarence, N.Y./Clarence Senior) and drove a curving shot into the upper right corner of the goal from 25 yards out. It was the third goal of the campaign for the Scotland native, tying him for the team lead with reigning BIG EAST Honor Roll selection Branden Stelmak (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Brecksville-Broadview Heights).
In the 35th minute, the Bearcats added on, as sophomore Alex Fernandes (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) took a feed from junior college transfer Tristan Watson (Brampton, Ontario/Lakeland C.C.) and hooked a left-footed shot into the upper right corner for his first career goal and a 2-0 lead.
Just moments later, in the 38th minute, a Fernandes corner kick was deflected into the WIU (0-3-0) net for an own goal and a 3-0 advantage.
"It's big being 4-0 going into Akron on Sunday," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "Tonight was not our best effort, but I think we are playing well as a team. I felt there was a little bit of rust after five days off, but our two center backs were solid and contributed to our third straight shutout."
Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) returned from an injury and made three saves in goal to post the team's third consecutive clean sheet and his 10th career shutout.
Chris Mitchell (Pickering, Ontario/SUNY Plattsburgh) and Watson both recorded the first assists of their respective careers on the Fernandes goal. True freshman Dan Cooperider (Sylvania, Ohio/Sylvania Northview) earned his first career start, getting the nod in the midfield.
UC used eight subs and 19 players saw time in the match as the Bearcats prepare for a quick turnaround against No. 1/1 Akron on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Gettler Stadium.