Miami Takes Down UTSA 1-0
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami women’s soccer team ended its four-game homestand on a high note Friday night, taking down the visiting UTSA Roadrunners 1-0 at Cobb Stadium.
After the team failed to convert a fair share of early chances, Kate Howarth netted her team-high third goal of the year in the 75th minute to end the deadlock. The Michigan native dribbled in from the near side of the box and fired a shot from seven yards out that found its way to the back of the net for the gamewinner.
“Kate’s mentality was fantastic, especially in the second half,” head coach Tom Anagnost said. “She was pushing forward, she wanted it. She had a strong mentality, and that’s what we want all of our players to have.”
The Hurricanes (5-4-1) outshot the Roadrunners 18-4 in the game, as sophomore goalkeeper Emily Lillard registered her third shutout of the season in the win. The decision improved the Hurricanes’ non-conference mark to an impressive 5-2-1 on the year.
“I thought Emily was another player that had a strong mentality tonight,” Anagnost added. “She was trying to motivate her teammates. She didn’t have a lot of action, but had the right mentality.”
Howarth led the way for the Miami offense, which forced Roadrunners’ keeper Katarina Pus into eight saves. Freshman Jasmine Paterson (two shots) and sophomore Ashley Flinn (three shots) each played over 70 minutes up front, providing consistent pressure on the UTSA backline.
Flinn nearly opened the scoring in the ninth minute, as she dribbled past her defender and made her way towards the net. The Roadrunners’ dodged an early deficit with the help of the woodwork, however, as Flinn’s shot pinged off the crossbar. Miami would connect on six more shots in the period before the halftime whistle.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Canes, who lost close matches to conference foes No. 13 Wake Forest and No. 5 Duke last week.
“I think everyone always feels better after a win,” Anagnost said. “That’s the big thing. We’re going to have to toughen up this week, because Thursday’s game is going to be a challenge.”
Miami returns to conference competition Thursday night with a 7 p.m. match-up on the road at N.C. State.
