Miami Looks for First ACC Win Against No. 9 Maryland

Sept. 25, 2009

CORAL GABLES –  The University of Miami women’s soccer team will continue its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule as it hosts the ninth-ranked Maryland Terrapins, Sunday at 1 p.m. at Cobb Stadium.

No. 9 Maryland (8-1-0, 0-1-0) at Miami (5-5-0, 0-1-0)

Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 / Cobb Stadium / Coral Gables, Fla. / 1 p.m.

Web/Live Stats: www.hurricanesports.com

The Hurricanes are coming of a tough 2-0 loss to the No. 3 ranked Boston College Eagles in their ACC opener on Thursday.  In that loss, BC scored twice in a four minute span in the opening half. 

Miami however, created opportunities to score but the Eagles goalkeeper, Jillian Mastroianni, made four tough saves to maintain the shutout. 

Offensively, the ‘Canes are led by freshman Kate Howarth, who has three goals on the season.  Each of her goals came in a 5-1 victory over Ball State on Aug. 28.  Another newcomer, junior Barbara Blocker is the only other player to have multiple goals, with two.  In all, eight different Hurricanes have scored on the season.

In net for Miami is sophomore Vikki Alonzo.  The Carrollton, Texas native is just one shutout shy of setting the UM career mark and is currently tied with former Hurricane great Lauren McAdam.  So far this season she sports a 0.84 goals against average and has played all but 40 minutes in goal.

A Look at the Terrapins
Maryland was a perfect 8-0 heading into ACC play this Thursday, but dropped its first game of the season to Florida State, 2-1.

The Terrapins’ Jasmyne Spencer leads her team with six goals on the season and this one of five players with multiple goals.  In goal, Mary Casey has five shutouts and a 0.67 goals against average.

The Series
Sunday’s meeting will be the sixth between the two programs – dating back to 2004 season. The Hurricanes hold a 3-1-1 all-time lead in the series, but lost last season in College Park – 1-0.  In that contest, Alonzo made five saves but a Kaila Sciascia goal was the difference.