TicketsAug. 24, 2012
ST. LOUIS - Sophomore forward Cole DeNormandie scored in the second minute and sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Hafling posted his first career shutout as the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team opened its 2012 season with a 1-0 win against Drake in the opener of the Billiken Classic on Friday.
The Bearcats got on the board early, and it was the 2011 BIG EAST all-Freshman honoree who picked up in 2012 right where he left off last season. DeNormandie, who scored seven goals a season ago, beat Drake keeper Rich Gallagher to the right just 1:03 into the match. Junior Peter Jannelli assisted on the play, his first since 2009.
The defense and Halfing did the rest, clamping down on the Drake attack. The Bulldogs managed 13 shots, but Hafling stopped all five that were on frame.
"We are extremely happy with the win," said head coach Hylton Dayes, who earned his 190th career win as a head coach. "Drake is a tough matchup for us. They have excellent size and created most of their chances off restarts. Credit goes to our guys. They defended very well and made the early goal stand up."
The Bearcats started three true freshman and three sophomores. Seeing action for the first time as a collegian were forward John Manga, the 2011 Kentucky Player of the Year, and defenders Gabriel Robinson and Richardo Israel.
UC will take on No. 12/9 Indiana on Sunday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. at Saint Louis' Hermann Stadium. The Billiken Classic will conclude with Saint Louis taking on Drake immediately following. For live stats, follow along here.