TicketsSept. 16, 2011
Coach Dayes Postgame Interview
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Missouri State on Friday night in Gettler Stadium.
The Bears (1-4-1) tallied in the 80th minute to snap a scoreless tie and earn their first victory of the campaign.
Cincinnati (3-3-0) had chances in the first half, but was unable to capitalize. Reigning BIG EAST Freshman of the Week Cole DeNormandie (Lincoln, Mass./Lincoln-Sudbury Regional) saw a half-volley from the penalty spot go just wide in the fifth minute after a dangerous cross from Shamar Shelton (Kingston, Jamaica/St. George's).
In the 17th minute, Shelton again created a chance with a cross from the left side. Ashani Walker (Kingston, Jamaica/Jamaica College) redirected just wide to the right.
Near the end of the half, Will Diebold (Coppell, Texas/Jesuit College Prep) had a blast rise over the crossbar and the teams went to the locker room scoreless.
Things stayed that way until the 80th minute. MSU's James Fawkes sent a corner kick into the box. It was initially cleared by the UC defense, but not sent all the way out. Fawkes gathered the clear attempt and stepped into a 25-yard blast that beat Bearcats goalkeeper Joey Barnard (McKinney, Texas/McKinney) for Fawkes' second goal of the season.
UC pushed forward in the final 10 minutes looking to draw even. The two best chances came with just minutes to play. Zach Patterson (Mason, Ohio/Mason) found the ball at his feet inside the area after a scramble. His shot inched just wide left of its mark with Bears goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg off his line.
Shelton took one final crack with a low drive on frame, but it was gobbled up by Spangenberg in the 90th minute.
Barnard made four saves in goal, while Spangenberg matched with four himself.
The Bearcats wrap up a four-match homestand with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Oakland on Sunday in Gettler Stadium. The women's team will host No. 12 Notre Dame following the men's contest at approximately 3:30 p.m.