TicketsAug. 29, 2010
MADISON, Wis. - Junior defender Kelli Pawelko (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) scored her first career goal, leading the University of Cincinnati women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over No. 20 Wisconsin (0-2-0) in the Wisconsin Tournament on Sunday afternoon. With the win, UC (3-0-1) remains unbeaten on the year, the first time since 1996 that UC has been unbeaten through the first four games of the season.
With 32:19 left in the second half Cincinnati obtained the advantage off of a free kick from the right side of the field and Pawelko soared a shot over UW's goalkeeper and into the upper right corner of the net.
"We had a tremendous team win today," said head coach Michelle Salmon. "Our focus leading up to this game, from training to the hotel this morning, we were ready to play. The coaching staff did a great job preparing everyone to come out with a high level of intensity and that was the difference today."
Julie Morrissey (Abington, Mass.Tabor Academy) took UC's first shot at the six minute mark of the match and Kendall Loggins (Naperville, Ill.Naperville North) followed with a shot of her own two minutes later. Cincinnati dominated the first half, taking six shots to the Badgers' three.
The Badgers turned up the intensity in the second half, owning a 10-6 shot advantage, but the Bearcats clamped down and prevented a UW goal. Pawelko scored the game-winner in the 58th minute.
"For 80 minutes we dominated the game, creating quality after quality chances," said Salmon. "At the end of the game Wisconsin went from four to five up top and the fact that our defense absorbed and defended their attack says a lot. I'm very pleased with the outcome."
Rachel Barnette (Peachtree City, Ga./McIntosh) had three saves in goal for UC, earning her second straight shutout.
"Obviously, Rachel (Barnette) played phenomenal today, and against Northwestern," noted Salmon. "It was a complete team effort. Kelli (Pawelko) played outstanding this weekend and is really coming into her own. She recognized that the keeper was off her line and went for it. We have two good teams coming in this weekend and we will look to duplicate our performance."
Cincinnati will return home and take on the College of Charleston in non-conference action on Sept. 3 in a 7 p.m. match at Gettler Stadium.