The women's soccer team ended their five-game losing streak by defeating Cincinnati, 3-1, on Friday evening at Owen T. Carroll Field in a much needed Big East victory.
The win was crucial for the Pirates, who are trying to make the Big East Championship
"Were still in this to make the tournament," junior Ashley Clarke said. "We just wanted to come out with a lot of energy and fire today."
The first half of this game was one of a back-and-forth style of play for both teams.
Clarke handled most of the ball control for the Pirates as she mostly does every game. Acting as field general for the Pirates, Clarke had a goal opportunity in the 27th minute; however, the ball sailed wide right. For the Bearcats, it seemed as if they were afraid to move the ball deep into SHU's zone for a Pirate counter-attack could follow. Cincinnati did, however, have a couple of nice looks throughout the first half, similar to Seton Hall.
Cincinnati quickly changed their passive style of play in the second half. In the first minute of the second half freshman forward Callie Taylor scored her first goal of the season to put her team up 1-0. The Pirates quickly responded, however.
In the fifty-fifth minute of the game, Clarke fired a goal about 20 yards out to tie the game at one goal apiece. Clarke had another huge opportunity in the sixty-first minute; however, a beautiful save by goalkeeper Kristina Utley kept the game tied.
The game would not stay tied for long, though, as Senior forward, Stephanie Soma found goal with 21minutes remaining. The goal marked the fifth of the season for Soma, the most on the team. Three minutes later, the Pirates struck again, this time junior Katie Ritter found herself on a breakaway, and took full advantage of the opportunity.
"The passing was really good for a good chunk of time, and we created some good opportunities and goals," head coach Kazbek Tambi said. "We just need to bring that out again. We'll just take it one game at a time."
The Pirates take on Louisville at home at 1 p.m. on Sunday against Rutgers
David Heim can be reached at David.Heim@student.shu.edu
