Sept. 24, 2010

Box Score

Box Scores

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Freshman forward Rasheeda Ansari netted a game-winner in the 81st minute on Friday to lift #25 Memphis to a 1-0 victory over Colorado College to open Conference USA play.

After a deep punt to midfield by Memphis goalkeeper Elise Kuhar-Pitters, senior forward Laura Laufenberg gathered the ball and slotted a pass to Ansari who sped past a Colorado College defender in the box and put away the goal with a strong finish to the upper right side of the net. Ansari posts her third career goal and second career game-winner and Laufenberg was credited with her second assist of the season.

“That was a huge goal by Rasheeda,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “The goal came off a situation we have been working on all week, so it was nice to see that hard work pay off in the game.”

Sophomore forward Taylor Isenhower and senior midfielder Vendula Strnadova each posted four shots to pace the Memphis attack and freshman forward Christabel Oduro added three shots. Despite allowing a season-high 15 shots, Memphis held Colorado College scoreless for the third-straight match in the series, extending the scoreless streak to 294:28. The Lady Tiger defense also improves to 23-0-1 in C-USA action when opponents score one or fewer goals.

“There were a lot of shots from far out, but most of their shots were off of crosses,” said Monaghan. “I have to give credit to Colorado College because they are a very good team. (Colorado College) just tied Oklahoma State last week and had not lost in their last six matches. (Colorado College) doesn’t lose many games at home so this is huge for us.”

Kuhar-Pitters posted her 17th career shutout and made five saves in the match. Colorado College goalkeeper Caitlin Hulyo, the CollegeSoccer360.com Primetime Player of the Week, also finished with five saves in the match.

The Lady Tigers improve to 6-0-1 in their last seven C-USA openers and boost their C-USA road record to 13-2-2 the last four seasons. Memphis bounced back from last Friday’s loss to TCU with its 16th-straight victory following a loss. With Friday’s victory, Memphis claimed its first victory at Colorado College in three matches at Stewart Field.

“I think that speaks about the character of this team to win so many games after tough losses,” said Monaghan. “I had a miserable week after the loss last Friday. This win takes a big weight off our shoulders and I am sure that is a weight off of their shoulders as well.”

Memphis will return to the pitch on Sunday in El Paso, Texas at 2 p.m. at University Field to take on the UTEP Miners. The Lady Tigers return to the Bluff City on Friday, Oct. 3 when Memphis hosts #23 UCF at 7 p.m. at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.