Miami Opens 2006 Season with 2-0 Win over UCF
Aug. 25, 2006
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami opened the 2006 season with a 2-0 win over in-state rival UCF Friday night behind a pair of second-half goals by Jenna Levenson and Rachael Rigamat and an impressive six-save effort by keeper Lauren McAdam.
Levenson, who transferred to UM (1-0-0) from Florida following last season, wasted little time making a name for herself at Miami netting the eventual game-winner in the 71st minute a free kick from nearly 20 yards out.
Levenson’s goal was the result of a more organized second-half offensive effort by the Hurricanes, who were out shot by a total of 7-to-2 by the Golden Knights (0-1-0) in the first half.
“I felt like we were a little too tense in the first half,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “Once we were able to settle down and relax, we were able to play more of our style; creating more opportunities and attacking aggressively.”
Despite being out shot 13-to-7 in the game, the Hurricane defensive efforts – led by McAdam’s performance in net along with the work of Kristen Chapman, Corynn Carino and Jessica Wyble – limited the quality of shots taken by UCF.
“Our backs and Lauren (McAdam) were solid tonight,” said Taliaferro. “I think Kristen Chapman played about as well as you could ask for any center back and overall the entire group was extremely organized and really worked well together.”
Rigamat added the insurance goal in the 90th minute off a pass to the right wing from teammate Bryn Heinicke on a counter-attack. Rigamat took the pass and was forced to dodge UCF keeper Jennifer Manis who charged out of the box to stop the attack to score on the far left post.
The Hurricanes return to action Sunday hosting Samford at Cobb Stadium at 1 p.m.
