Hurricanes Shutout Stetson to Start 2008 Season
Aug. 24, 2008
CORAL GABLES – The University of Miami women’s soccer team (1-0-0) opened the 2008 season with a 3-0 victory over the Stetson Hatters (0-1-0) Sunday afternoon at Cobb Stadium. Sophomore Brittney Steinbruch scored once in each half, sealing the win.
Last season, Steinbruch tied the school’s season record with 16 goals. This year the Wyckoff, N.J. native started where she left off, scoring in the 10th minute. Lauren Singer picked up her first of two assists on the goal, as she took Jessica Wyble’s corner kick and fed a wide open Steinbruch, who finished with a powerful kick from the top of the 18-yard box
“Brittney (Steinbruch) has been looking to remain consistent by allowing her teammates to set her up more, coming into the season,” said head Coach Tricia Taliaferro.
Miami didn’t score again in the half but had their chances, as the home team tallied a total of 10 shots in the opening period, forcing Stetson goalkeeper Caitlin Peterson to make four saves. The Hurricane defense was a wall in the first half, allowing only one shot to get to freshman Vikki Alonzo.
Steinbruch scored her second goal only four minutes after the break. Freshman Danielle Bidegain picked up the assist, as she found the streaking Steinbruch down the left side. Steinbruch did the rest, attacking the keeper, before scoring just inside the near post.
Brittney Macdonald iced the match with a header off of Singer’s free kick in the 85th minute.
“I am very pleased at how we came out, both offensively and defensively,” added Taliaferro. There are little things that we can work on, but overall I was pleased.
Miami outshot the Hatters 23-6 for the match and fouls were even throughout, with a yellow card presented to each team.
Making her collegiate debut, Alonzo didn’t show any nerves as she made five saves in the shutout. After a docile first half, Stetson turned on the pressure in the second. Alonzo responded with two shutout preserving saves. The first coming on a one versus one against Stetson’s Katie Bitetto, where Alonzo punched the shot just over the cross bar. The second came on a penalty kick in the final minutes, where she stoned Tessa Gavilsky.
“I normally don’t get nervous before I go out there, but I was just a little today,” said Alonzo. “But I love being out there, especially with a defense as good as ours.”
After redshirting last season recovering from an injury, sophomore Paulelette Ricks-Chamber made her presence felt immediately. Starting on the front line, Ricks-Chambers recorded the first shot on goal for the Hurricanes, just two minutes into the game.
“Paulelette represents everything this team is about, the hard work and the determination,” said Taliaferro. “Having her back on the field is such a motivator for our team.”
Miami hosted today’s match after Tropical Storm Fay caused flooding in Deland, Fla. The season opener was originally scheduled for Friday evening at Stetson, before it was moved back to Saturday. However the weather didn’t cooperate and the match was finally moved to Coral Cables.
The Hurricanes are back in action on Friday, Aug. 29, as they host FIU in the cross-town rivalry at 7:00 p.m. at Cobb Stadium. Tickets will be on sale, $3 for children and $5 for adults.
