Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
University of Louisville
Racer Soccer Edged By Louisville, 1-0, In Historic 100th Match
9/7/2005 5:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
"I'm really happy with our defense," said Murray State Head Coach Mike Minielli. "This is the best offensive team we've played this season and our defense really brought it today."
The Cardinals (4-1-0) out shot MSU 6-5 in the first period, but the Racers (0-4-0) held a 3-1 advantage in shots-on-goal. U of L goalkeeper Deana Waintraub saved all three to hold Murray State scoreless in the first 45 minutes.
MSU's best first half scoring opportunity came at the 25:30 mark when freshman Krista Llewellyn attempted a shot from 12 yards straight out. Waintraub was there however and smothered the ball.
With just 1:40 remaining in the first period, Louisville missed on its best scoring opportunity when Jamie Craft dribbled to the left side drawing the MSU keeper toward her. Craft sent a perfect cross to the right side of an empty goal, but there wasn't a Cardinal there to receive it and the Racers dodged a bullet.
U of L came out aggressive in the second period, out shooting the home team, 9-4. Liz Kinny nearly notched the game's first goal nine minutes into the second frame when she sent a booming kick high toward the goal. Racer goalkeeper Annie Fortier jumped just high enough to get a hand on it to deflect the ball over the goal.
Less than 12 minutes later, at the 65:07 mark, Engel took a pass from Monique Gjini on the right side and sent her shot over Fortier from straight on. This time the ball found the net and gave the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage.
Murray State managed just one shot-on-goal in the second period, allowing Louisville to hold on for the victory.
Waintraub finished with four saves in 90 minutes for the visitors. Fortier made six saves for MSU, including five in the second period to keep her team in the game.
Gjini attempted a match-high six shots. Llewellyn, Jen Nowak and Melisa Curry each finished with two shot attempts for the Racers.
"We've had games this season where we've played well offensively, and we've had games where we've played well defensively," Minielli said. "We just have to do both on the same day."
The Racers will be back in action on Friday when they begin play at the Skyhawk Invitational hosted by Tennessee-Martin. MSU will face Arkansas-Little Rock at 2:00 p.m., in Martin, Tenn. On Sunday Murray State takes on South Alabama at 12:00 p.m.
