Howarth's Two Goals Leads Miami over Monmouth

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Junior Kate Howarth scored a goal in each half and the University of Miami women’s soccer team shutdown the Monmouth Hawks’ offense in a 3-0 victory Sunday night at Cobb Stadium.

Howarth scored the first Hurricane goal of the season with a sliding kick from eight yards out in the 12th minute. The play started on a free kick by Ali Brennan deep in Miami’s end. Brennan’s through ball was headed down by Ashley Flinn before it was touched by Shannon Caspar onto the sliding foot of Howarth.

It proved to be all the scoring the Canes would need.

However, the forward wasn’t done. After Miami went up 2-0, Howarth scored her second goal in the 84th minute on another set piece, this time off a corner kick. Jordan Roseboro took the kick, which was corralled by Kim Hutchinson and then fed on to Howarth, who buried it into the left side of the goal.

“It was good to get the first win out of the way at home,” said Howarth. “It will give us momentum going into the week and going into practice. It will give us a little bit of confidence.”

Miami’s defense swarmed the visiting Hawks, only allowing two shots on goal with each being easily saved by goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo. The senior captain from Carrollton, Texas extended her school record with the 25th shutout of her career.

A bit of luck was needed for Miami’s second goal.

In the 75th minute, a Monmouth defender was attempting to clear from in front of her net, but the ball ricocheted of Fatima Nasser’s shin and into the back of the net. The goal was the second of Nasser’s career.

The win was the first in the Tom Anagnost Era and gives the Canes momentum heading into their first regular season road trip of the season.  Miami will head to Utah to face BYU and Utah Valley on Aug. 26 and 28 respectively, before returning home to face Duquesne on Sept. 4.

“It’s good to get a `W’ always, especially on your home field,” said Anagnost. “I think it’s good that we already had a road trip and I’m looking forward to seeing if we can get better between now and then.”

The Canes spent some time on the West Coast last week when they played exhibition games at Portland and Portland State.

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.