Miami Opens Regular Season at No. 21 Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami women’ssoccer team opens its 2012 campaign on the road Friday with a 7 p.m. showdownagainst No. 21 Florida at Pressly Stadium.
“Florida is an excellent team. They’re coached very, verywell,” head coach Tom Anagnost said. “Every time you play a team like that,you have to bring everything you have and be at your best.”
The Hurricanes, who won both exhibition matchesduring the preseason, mark their official return to the pitch after registeringthe most successful season in program history in 2011. In CoachAnagnost’s first year at the helm in Coral Gables, Miami advanced to the secondround of the NCAA Championship for the first time with a 3-2 double overtimewin over Alabama at Cobb Stadium.
Friday’s contest will mark the fourth straight year theHurricanes have opened their regular season against the in-state rival Gators.In last year’s match-up, Florida edged homestanding Miami 2-0. The Hurricanes,who finished 2011 with a 10-8-1 overall mark, were receiving votes in the NSCAAPreseason Rankings released last week.
In addition to the return of All-ACC forward Kate Howarth(team-leading 11 goals, seven assists), Coach Anagnost’s staff will bebolstered by a bevy of new talent. Senior Tina Romagnuolo (Syracuse) and anumber of able freshmen, including Jasmine Paterson, Ally Andreini and PaigeLombard, will factor early and often into Coach Anagnost’s schemes. Sophomoregoalkeeper Emily Lillard (Arkansas) enters her first season as a Hurricaneafter an impressive freshman campaign with the Razorbacks, where she startedall 18 games in net.
“We’re all looking forward to getting everything started,”Coach Anagnost said. “We’ve worked hard in the preseason, and are ready to getthe season underway.”
Friday’s match can be seen regionally on SUN Sports and FoxCollege Sports Atlantic, and can also be seen live on GatorVision (subscription service). Gametracker will also be available on GatorZone.com.
For just $50, secure a ticket to every home Hurricane Soccer and Volleyball match. Season tickets to the home soccer schedule at Cobb Stadium can be purchased for $35, with single match tickets available for as low as $3. Call 1-800-GO-CANES to order your tickets today!
