Women's Soccer Snuffs Providence In Big East Opener

Sept. 24, 1999

PROVIDENCE, RI — The University of Miami women’s soccer team (6-2-0,1-0-0 BIG EAST) shut out Providence (1-5-0, 0-1-0 BIG EAST), 2-0, in its1999 BIG EAST Northeast division opener at Glay Field. The win, which ties Miami with Connecticut for the BIG EAST’s Northeastdivision lead, was also UM’s first conference victory after competing as anindependent during the 1998 season.

Sophomore goalkeeper Elizabeth Swinson recorded the shutout in goalfor the Hurricanes, totaling fives saves on 11 Providence shots. The shutout is the second consecutive for Swinson, as the Hurricanes defeatedCentral Florida, 4-0, on Sept. 19. Swinson began the season injured and didnot see action until the second half of the season’s sixth match againstBuffalo on Sept. 17. Her first start as a Hurricane came against UCF.

Team scoring leader Allison McWhinney made her return to theNortheast a special one, as she recorded the eventual game-winning goal inthe 25th minute off an assist by Laura West. McWhinney, a freshman forwardfrom Danvers, MA, also added the assist on Miami’s second goal in the 29thminute.

McWhinney guided a corner pass from West by PC goalkeeper ShaynaRoss into the open net for her seventh goal of the season. Ross totaled three saves on UM’s 12 shots.

With the goal and assist, McWhinney raises her season point total to18 following eight matches. The game-winning goal marked her second on theseason as she also scored the deciding goal in UM’s 2-0 victory over LongIsland on Aug. 31.

Just over three minutes later, Nina Wathne, who led the team inassists in ’98, scored her second goal in as many games when she tookMcWhinney’s pass from the left side and scored from 16 yards out into theupper right corner.

Miami continues its Northeast road trip with No. 18 Boston Collegeon Sunday, Sept. 26 at Noon in Chestnut Hill, MA.