`Canes Host Fordham in Final Non-Conference Match
Sept. 16, 2010
CORAL GABLES, Fla. –
In its final non-conference match before opening a daunting Atlantic Coast Conference slate, the University of Miami women’s soccer team will host Fordham Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Cobb Stadium.
Fans in attendance will have the chance to win several prizes, including a team autographed poster and soccer ball as well as one of many Miami Soccer t-shirts. Tickets can be purchased for $3 for children and $5 for adults at the Cobb Stadium gate one hour prior to kick-off. University of Miami students receive free admission with their ‘Cane Card.
For those fans following Miami women’s soccer on facebook and twitter, a trivia question will be posted at the start of the match. Listen to the public address announcer’s prompt and if you are among the first three with the correct answer, you will win a prize.
The Hurricanes (5-2-1), who are currently riding a three-game win streak, have been showcasing an improved offense this season and as always, feature a staunch defense.
Senior Brittney Steinbruch, who set the school’s all-time scoring mark earlier this season, is no longer the Hurricanes’ lone offensive threat. Sophomore Kate Howarth has proven in the early going to be a top scoring option herself. She comes into the match tied with Steinbruch with a team-best four goals.
In addition to the scoring exploits of Steinbruch and Howarth, eight other Hurricanes have found the back of the net and as a team, the ‘Canes have scored 16 goals after only eight matches. A year ago, Miami didn’t score its 16th goal until the 13th game of the season.
Strong defensive teams have always been a staple at Miami since head coach Tricia Taliaferro took over the program and this year is no exception. The 2010 defense, which has allowed an impressive 0.72 goals per game, is led by junior keeper Vikki Alonzo and senior defender Brittney Macdonald.
Macdonald was the catalyst in Miami claiming last weekend’s 2010 Hurricane Cup, earning MVP honors in leading the ‘Canes to wins over West Virginia and North Dakota State. She was recognized alongside Steinbruch, who came away with offensive MVP honors.
Fordham (3-4-0) enters Friday’s contest on a four-game slide after opening the season with three straight wins.
Michelle Ancelj is the Rams’ lone player with multiple goals, scoring three on the season. However, Katie McDermott leads the squad with three assists and has scored a goal of her own. Goal keeper Rachel Suther has played in six games, making 19 saves with a 1.36 goals against average.
To follow Friday’s match, visit hurricanesports.com for live stats.
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.
