Aug. 31, 2007
Final Stats
CINCINNATI -
Crosstown rivals Xavier and Cincinnati went to overtime for the third straight year in women's soccer. Unfortunately for the Musketeers on Friday night at the University of Cincinnati, the Bearcats escaped with a 2-1 overtime win. The Musketeers had beaten UC each of the two previous seasons in extra time.
Cincinnati controlled much of the early action in the first half, including the first shot on goal of the match and a 3-2 early shot advantage. Xavier took control, though, after about the 15-minute mark. XU dominated action for the final 30 minutes of the half and created numerous chances but couldn't find the back of the net.
XU held a 7-3 shot advantage for the first half, including a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. Sophomore Brittany Green challenged UC goalie Andrea Kaminski with a pair of shots on goal. One Green shot from deep on the right side sent Kaminski peddling back and almost into the goal to track it down.
The two teams were still in a scoreless battle until the 77th minute. Senior Jillian Chuck drilled a shot from about 25 yards out that got over the outstretched arms of the UC goalkeeper. Sophomore Brittany Green earned an assist by setting up Chuck with a pass. XU led 1-0 with 13:04 left in regulation.
Cincinnati answered the Xavier goal in the 89th minute as freshman Logan Ballinger found the back of the net with just 1:57 left in regulation. The two teams would go to overtime tied at 1-1.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the first overtime.
Xavier came close to a golden goal early in the second overtime as Green hit the crossbar with just over eight minutes left. The ball bounced down and back up but was cleared by UC before it could cross the goal line. Cincinnati finally got the game-winner with 2:03 left on a shot in front of the goal by junior Lindsey Noteboom.
This match was the season opener for both teams.
Xavier visits Illinois on Sunday for a 1 p.m. match. In fact, XU will play its first eight matches away from home. XU's home opener is not until Sunday, September 23 against Miami (Ohio).
