Miami's Historic Season Comes to an End Against Long Beach State
Nov. 18, 2011
Box ScoreLOS ANGELES, Calif. – An 80th-minute goal from No. 21 Long Beach State’s Kelsey Wilson ended a historic season for the University of Miami women’s soccer team as the Canes fell 1-0 to the 49ers in the NCAA Tournament second round at UCLA’s Drake Stadium on Friday night.
Wilson’s shot from the deep left side, found the inside of the far post in the 81st minute, breaking a scoreless tie.
“I want to give credit to Long Beach State for getting it done,” said Miami head coach Tom Anagnost. “The way we lost was tough. I have to look at the tape, but we think it was a mishit cross that floated into the back of the net. I thought our back four were great tonight and Fatima [Nasser] was outstanding.”
Miami had held the 49ers without a shot on goal the entire first half, but the local team fired four shots on frame in the second period, with UM’s senior keeper Vikki Alonzo able to save three of those shots.
Sophomore Tara Schwitter recorded a team-best three shots with two on goal in the opening half.
“We needed someone else to step up in the attack tonight and it didn’t happen tonight,” added Anagnost.
Though the night may have ended in disappointment for the Hurricanes, it was the most successful season since the program’s inception in 1998.
Junior forward Kate Howarth, who ended the season with a team-high 11 goals and seven assists, earned Second Team All-ACC honors and was named to numerous national teams of the week after her performance in a pair of wins over Top 10 teams (Boston College and Maryland) in October.
Alonzo ended her career with a school record 25 shutouts, 11 more than the next closest keeper.
“I want to especially recognize our two seniors, Vikki and Brooke [Van Aman] for leading this team and program to a higher level,” concluded Anagnost. I am very proud of them and the rest of the women for a very good season.”
Anagnost led the Canes to a 10-8-1 record in his first season at the helm of the program. Last weekend, the Hurricanes defeated Alabama in a highly entertaining match that the Canes pulled out in double overtime, 3-2. The win was the first to be played at Miami’s Cobb Stadium and stands as the programs first NCAA Tournament win.
