Stellar Offensive Performance Fuels Miami to 3-3 Tie Against SMU
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Giovana Canali recorded the first multi-goal game of her career, Crosby Nicholson scored for the second consecutive match, and the University of Miami soccer team (3-3-2) used an exceptional offensive performance to secure a 3-3 tie against SMU (6-3-1).
“This group showed a relentless attitude tonight,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr. “Getting points in this league is incredibly difficult and while it stings to give up chances, I am proud of our response. We will learn from this performance as we prepare for two important matches on the West Coast.”
Miami got off to a sensational start in the match, as just under five minutes into the contest, Gisselle Kozarski dribbled past a defender down the right side of the field and put a beautiful cross near the back post. Kyla Gallagher tracked down Kozarksi’s pass and played a dangerous ball back across the middle that found the foot of Giovana Canali. Canali found the back of the net with a stellar finish, marking her fourth goal of the season.
SMU responded in the 19th minute, finding the back of the net on a deep strike to even the match at 1-1.
The two squads traded shots over the remainder of the match, with both teams creating a number of quality opportunities; but, the score remained 1-1 entering halftime.
SMU opened the second period by scoring their second goal of the night less than five minutes into the half, taking a 2-1 advantage over the Canes.
12 minutes later, Miami earned a corner kick and Ciara Alarcon lined up to take the set piece. Alarcon put a quality ball in the box, and Canali laced a strike off Alarcon’s pass that soared past the SMU goalkeeper and into the back of the net, evening the match at 2-2.
The Mustangs retook the lead once again in the 70th minute on an impressive goal, as they took a 3-2 advantage over Miami.
The Canes showed impeccable resiliency and poise, as they refused to give in and continued to battle, despite the Mustangs building significant momentum.
In the 73rd minute, they were rewarded once again. Julia Edwards found Moira Flynn near the middle of the box in a crowd of SMU defenders. Flynn played a short pass back to Nicholson who ripped a shot that rolled past the goalkeeper and into the net, marking her second consecutive match scoring a goal.
Miami came dangerously close to scoring a fourth goal and taking the lead down the stretch; however, the contest ended in a 3-3 draw.
The Canes recorded 18 shots, 10 of which were on target, while SMU compiled 15 shots, four of which were on frame.
A two-game road swing awaits Miami next, as they will travel to California to face Stanford next Thursday, September 26 at 10 p.m.
