Howarth Leads Miami to Fourth Straight Victory

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – On a hot Sunday afternoon, The University of Miami women’s soccer team led by two Kate Howarth goals, defeated visiting Duquesne, 3-0, at Cobb Stadium.

The Canes (4-1) took an early lead in the 11th minute after Howarth scored off a great pass from junior midfielder Kim Hutchinson.

The junior from Grand Blanc, Mich. scored again in the 71st minute on a cross from freshman Shannon Caspar. It was the second time this season that Howarth has registered two goals in a match.

“In front of goal she has been making plays and that is all that matters.” said head coach Tim Anagnost about Howarth’s performance.

Miami kept the pressure on with eight shots on goal in the first half, continually testing the Dukes(1-5) goalkeeper Ashley Szalwinski.

The Hurricane defense was very strong, not surrendering a single shot on goal in the first half.

The Hurricanes wasted no time pushing their lead to 2-0 in the second half, with a goal from sophomore Tara Schwitter in the 47th minute. Howarth was credited with the assist after her cross deflected off the cross bar and onto the foot of Schwitter.

After a quiet afternoon, goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo was finally called into action in the 55th minute, as she made a last ditch slide tackle to fend of Duquesne’s attack, keeping Miami’s shutout alive.

The Canes also got a boost late in the game from junior defender Ali Brennan who blocked two consecutive shots on an open goal to keep the Dukes of the board.

“I am very proud of how the game was played,” said coach Anagnost. “It was night and day compared to the last time we played.”

At 2:22 p.m. play was suspended due to lightning just after the Canes weathered an offensive burst from the Dukes and after a one hour and eight minute delay, play resumed.

The women’s soccer team will be back in action Sept. 6 in Fort Myers, Fla. against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Miami returns home on Sept. 15 to face Clemson in its Atlantic Coast Conference opener.

The Hurricanes new season ticket package that will include two (2) adult and (3) youth tickets to all home volleyball and soccer events during the 2011 season is still being offered.  The Family Plan provides a family of five with more than 20 events for the incredible price of $50.  Purchase a Volleyball and Soccer Family Plan by calling 1-800-Go Canes or buy online.