Women's Soccer Falls to Nebraska 2-1

Friday, September 23

Boulder, Colo.

4 p.m.

Colorado

3-4-2, 0-1-0Big 12

Nebraska

6-3-0, 1-0-0Big 12

Nebraska

Colorado

Photo by: CUBuffs.com

September 23, 2005 | Soccer

Box Score

By: CUBuffs.com

BOULDER - The University of Colorado women's soccer team fell to Big 12 Conference foe Nebraska by a score of 2-1 here Friday evening. Nebraska got two goals from Jessie Bruch to top the Buffaloes, who fall to 3-4-2 overall, 0-1 in Big 12 play.

Nebraska (6-3, 1-0 Big 12) had many chances early. In the 22nd minute, Danielle Schoen had an open look at the CU goal, but she was denied by Jessie Keller diving on the left post. With 14 minutes to play in the first half, Nikki Baker of NU had a one-on-one opportunity, but Keller again rescued the Buffaloes with a spectacular kick save to preserve the early shutout.

Fran Munnelly got the Buffs on the board first, scoring with 8:56 to play in the first half. Classmate Kat Grandinetti played a ball on the ground through the back of the defense to a streaking Munnelly up the left side. Munnelly took a touch to goal as Nebraska's Klages came off her line and with her next touch, Munnelly slotted a ball on the ground just to Klages' left and into the center of the goal. It was her team-high fourth goal of the season, the 26th of her career.

"We ran their midfield down, and I got the opportunity as their defense moved up," said Munnelly. "I broke through and I don't think their keeper was ready for me to shoot it as soon as I did. Kat just played an amazing ball."

At the half, Colorado outshot Nebraska just five to four, with both Keller and Klages posting three saves. Nebraska outfouled the Buffs 13 to seven in the first half.

Nebraska knotted the game at the 40:33 mark of the second half, when Jessie Bruch soared above CU's defense on a Brittany Timko corner kick. Bruch outleaped the rest of the pack and headed the ball firmly down and into the goal to tie the score at 1-1.

CU had a chance to take another lead after a Nebraska foul about 30 yards out. Katie Griffin hit a missile at the NU goal, and hit the cross bar at the 35:06 mark of the second half. CU couldn't finish the wide rebound.

The Huskers would get their game-winning goal in somewhat controversial fashion. After a CU foul in the last third of the field on the right side, Timko would again provide a great service into the penalty box for Bruch, which she headed in for her second goal of the contest. In the mix of the play, CU freshman Michelle Wenino appeared to have been fouled hard, but the goal stood, as did the final score of 2-1.

"We can't blame the defense for this result," said Munnelly. "They played amazing. The offense needs to work on scoring when we get chances. It's hard to stay matched when they play in air and we play on the ground. We challenged them the best we could.

"Jessica Keller kept us in this game today. She made key saves and forced them away from the goal, which is extremely hard to do. We have a lot to work on, but without Keller and without our defense, we're far behind."

Colorado will try to bounce back this Sunday, Sept. 25, when they take on Iowa State. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. at Prentup Field. Admission and parking are free.

Notes
Fran Munnelly's goal in the 37th minute was the 26th of her career, tying her with Melissa Cartmell for the all time lead in career goals at Colorado. It also earned her the 71st point of her career, making her Colorado's first 70-plus scoring player in school history.

Freshman Alexis Cousins made her first career start. CU started three freshmen in the game (Cousins, Michelle Wenino, Nikki Keller).