Hurricanes Drop ACC Opener to No. 3 Boston College
Sept. 24, 2009
CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s soccer team (5-5-0, 0-1-0) fell to the third-ranked Boston College Eagles (9-0-0, 1-0-0) by a 2-0 score in the ACC opener for both teams at Cobb Stadium, Thursday night.
Boston College lived up to their ranking, scoring twice in a four-minute span during the opening half.
The Eagles’ Kristen Mewis assisted on Victoria DiMartino’s goal in the 33rd minute after taking a shot that was saved by Miami’s Vikki Alonzo – DiMartino put the rebound into the empty net. Mewis then scored a goal of her own less than four minutes later.
“That four-minute span was the difference,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “But I thought we played well, I thought everyone battled, I thought we put our heart and soul into and I don’t think it’s unrealistic that we can’t be among the top teams in the ACC.”
The Hurricanes weren’t without there chances however. One of Miami’s best opportunities came midway through the first half when Brittney Steinbruch feigned right – before turning left and blasting a shot that was saved by the BC keeper from atop the 18-yard box.
Steinbruch again had an opportunity, in the second half – this time coming up the left side and firing a left-footed shot that was kicked saved and cleared.
“I think we had a lot of motivation going into the first 30 minutes, we were playing well and getting it moving,” said Steinbruch. “Those two goals were obviously disappointing, but stuff happens and we had to bounce back from it. There are a lot more games in the ACC.
Aside from that four-minute span, in which the Eagles scored twice with three shots on goal – Miami would have outshot BC 10-9 for the contest.
“That’s why they (Boston College) have been successful,” added Taliaferro. “They were able to capitalize on their opportunities.”
Miami sophomore keeper, Vikki Alonzo was once again solid in goal, racking up five saves on the evening. The Carrollton, Texas native remains one shutout shy of setting the school career mark and will look to break the mark against another ranked ACC opponent at home on Sunday.
The Hurricanes will welcome No. 9 Maryland in three days for a mid-day contest, beginning at 1 p.m.
