Pflugner Leads Hurricanes Past FIU
Oct. 13, 2004
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Sophomore Kelly Pflugner celebrated her 21st birthday with a game-winning goal in the 64th minute of the University of Miami’s 1-0 win over cross-town rival Florida International at Cobb Stadium Wednesday evening.
Pfulgner’s goal, her second of the season, came at the 63:58 mark when she ripped a shot from 35 yards out that deflected off FIU keeper Madeline Gannon and into the net. Ashley Durkee was credited with the Pfulgner assist.
With the win, the Hurricanes snap a four-game skid and improve to 3-8-0 overall on they year. Florida International falls to 4-9-0 on the season.
“We are extremely relieved to get this win and hopefully this will end some of the frustration we’ve endured over the past couple of matches,” Head Coach Tricia Taliaferro said.
Miami opened the match with an aggressive offensive attack, taking a total of 10 shots – five on goal – through the first half while holding the Golden Panthers without a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes.
Despite being outplayed offensively by the Hurricanes, FIU was able fend off the UM front as the two teams headed into the half scoreless.
The second period began just as the first with Miami pressing hard offensively. The Hurricanes’ Britney Butcher, Shannon Sanguinetti and Lindsey Yach each took shots on the FIU net in the first 17 minutes until Plugner was able to break the scoring in the 64th minute to give the Hurricanes the go-ahead goal.
“I was pleased with the way we came out and created chances tonight. Our team has really learned to adjust to adversity. With all the injuries we’ve had this season, we have really depended on a lot of the younger players on this team and I think they have responded well and continue to get better every match,” Taliaferro said.
The Hurricanes will return to action Oct. 19 taking on in-state ACC rival Florida State. Next Tuesday’s match with the Seminoles is slated for 7 p.m. at Cobb Stadium.
