Soccer Takes Down Flyers 2-1 in Exhibition

DAYTON, Ohio — The University of Miami women’s soccer team used goals from sophomores Shannon McCarthy and Jasmine Paterson to wrap up its preseason road trip on a high note, taking down host Dayton 2-1 in an exhibition Sunday.

“The team worked hard and deserved the win,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “We have things we need to work on, but the team fought to create many scoring opportunities. Once we settled down into our game, we found more success.”

Despite falling behind in the game’s first minute, the Hurricanes rallied to tie the game just five minutes later. After fielding a throw-in from the right touch line, senior Tara Schwitter flicked a pass to Paterson who the cut the ball back and fired off the post and past Flyers goalkeeper Elizabeth James to tie it 1-1.

The Hurricanes entered the locker room at halftime knotted up by the same margin, but eight minutes into the second period managed to take their first lead of the contest. A free kick from sophomore Paige Lombard, who spent nearly all of 2012 season on the sidelines while recovering from surgery, was converted on a header from McCarthy to make it 2-1.

After the early goal from Dayton, goalkeeper tandem Emily Lillard and Catalina Perez combined for seven saves the rest of the way, helping guide Miami to the decision. Though the Hurricanes were outshot by a 19-14 margin, the visitors were able to end their trip on a positive note.

“It was nice to get some games under our belt and see everyone play,” Monroe added. “This gives us a better idea of what our gameplan will be moving forward. We have some holes to fill, and some players stepped up this weekend.”

Next up for the Hurricanes is their regular season opener against Cincinnati at Cobb Stadium. Kickoff for Friday’s match is set for 7 p.m.