Hurricanes Face FGCU in Home Opener
Aug. 30, 2010
CORAL GABLES –
The University of Miami women’s soccer team will host the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the Hurricanes’ home-opener, Tuesday, Aug. 31 at Cobb Stadium, with the start time scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The crowd on Tuesday night will have a lot to cheer for. Senior Brittney Steinbruch’s next goal will make her the school’s all-time leading goal scorer. Currently she is tied with former UM great Britney Butcher (2001-04) with 29 career goals.
Miami’s offense as a whole is a must-see as well. Already this young season, seven different players have scored goals. Opposing defenders will be weary of focusing on just a couple players. In just three games, the ‘Canes have fired 50 shots, with eight finding the back of the net.
If defense is what the fans like to see, they will get a chance to see one of the ACC’s best take the field in goal. Junior Vikki Alonzo broke the career shutout mark a season ago and already has one this season – increasing her record to 19 – the Carrollton, Texas native boasts an impressive 0.89 goals against average.
“We are all very excited to play our first home game against a quality opponent,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “To open the season with three road games is difficult and I am more than happy to be home to compete in front of our Miami fans!”
The Hurricanes (1-1-1, 0-0 ACC) and the Eagles (1-1-0, 0-0 A-Sun) opened their season in similar fashion. Miami fell to No. 11 Florida 2-1 in double-overtime while the Florida Gulf Coast dropped a 1-0 decision in two extra periods to FIU.
The second match for each team had identical results as well. The ‘Canes traveled to Stetson and ripped the Hatters with 6-0 victory, while FGCU hosted Delaware State and levied the same 6-0 score on the Hornets.
In Miami’s latest contest at Purdue, Kate Howarth scored her team-leading second goal in the first half, but a Boilermaker equalizer in the second half sent the match into overtime. The teams were unable to score a golden goal and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
The women’s soccer team will be donating $10 for every goal scored by a Hurricane this season to MALAIKA FOR LIFE – a non-profit organization that provides malaria relief in Africa. To make a matching donation, contact assistant coach Jeff Freeman by clicking here.
To follow Tuesday evening’s match, visit hurricanesports.com for live stats.
At 6 p.m. the women’s volleyball team will also hold its home-opener, facing FAU. Fans are strongly encouraged to show their support at both events.
Tickets can be purchases at the Cobb Stadium gate prior to game time at $5 for adults and $3 for children. University of Miami students will be admitted for free after providing their ‘Cane Card.
You can follow all University of Miami teams on Twitter by visiting http://api.twitter.com/hurricanesports or follow just women’s soccer at http://twitter.com/canessoccer . Visit hurricanesport.com and Miami Hurricanes Soccer on facebook to get all the up-to-date news and information on the women’s soccer team.
