TicketsCINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati soccer team and No. 20 SMU played out a highly-entertaining 3-3 draw at Gettler Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Bearcats record moves to 6-5-3 on the season, 1-2-2 in AAC play and 4-1-3 at home.
It was Senior Day for the Bearcats, the team honored their six current seniors on the field along with family of the late Ally Sidloski. The 2001 Conference USA champion team, which reached the NCAA Sweet 16, was also in attendance and honored on the field at halftime.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first half had a lively start and was capped by a penalty awarded to the Mustangs in the 20th minute. Wayny Balata slotted the penalty in the top right corner past goalkeeper Anna Rexford for the 1-0 lead. The Bearcats responded excellently in the 30th minute through Vanessa DiNardo's 7th goal of the season. DiNardo picked up Lauren Bastian's shot that rang off the post after Maddie Pittman's cross from the left wing. DiNardo's second goal came off a long pass over the top from Rexford. Paige Miller challenged for it and the SMU goalkeeper Tatum Sutherland didn't deal with the danger. The ball fell to DiNardo and she kept her cool and chipped the goalie from the edge of the box for a 2-1 lead at the half.
The second half took a while to get going, and in the 60th minute, Rexford was called into action for a big save. Before the Bearcats could even react the Mustangs scored two goals in four minutes to take the lead. It was Sammy Nieves and Mackenzie Rudden's first goals of the season. Kendall Battle tied the game in the 78th minute off of Brandi Thomsen's corner kick. Ashley Barron rose up at the far post and headed it back towards the original corner, and Kendall Battle pushed it over the line at the near post. The match remained tied after 90 minutes and required extra-time.
In extra time, Grace Wolber came close off another Thomsen corner in the 93rd minute and DiNardo forced a great save from Tatum Sutherland. DiNardo cut in from the right wing and had her shot saved on the right post. The match would finish 3-3 after 110 minutes of action.
The Bearcats out-shot their opponents 18-13 and had the advantage in corner kicks, leading 8-1.
QUOTE FROM COACH NEIL STAFFORD
"I saw a lot of fight back, and I'm really, really proud of the response when we went down. We created a lot of opportunities and a lot of chances. We failed to to hit the target a few times in crucial moments, so you know you won't get three points. But, overall you can't fault the grittiness and the fight and the determination. They left everything on the field and I am really proud of them for that."
NOTABLE
- This marked UC's first points earned against the Mustangs since October 2019. It was their first points at home against the Mustangs since a 2-0 victory in October 2016.
- DiNardo's eight goals are the most for any Bearcat in a season since Julie Gavorski's eight goals in 2016.
- Second game where the Bearcats had multi-goal goalscorers. The first was Han Tang vs. Eastern Illinois on Sept. 5.
- Lauren Bastian's three assists on the season are a new career and season-high for the sophomore. She had two in 2020.
- Vanessa DiNardo's seven shots were a season-high and a career high.
- Anna Rexford's five saves was her second-highest tally of the season.
- Kendall Battle's third goal of the season gives her a new career and season-best.
- This marked the most combined goals scored in a match since October 2019 when the Bearcats beat Tulsa 4-2.
UP NEXT
The Bearcats are back on the road this week when they travel to Tampa on Thursday to face South Florida on ESPN+.