Soccer Blasts Huskers 4-0

Friday, October 5

Boulder, Colo.

4 p.m.

Colorado

Nebraska

October 05, 2007 | Soccer

Box Score

By: Aaron Lopez, Denver Nuggets

BOULDER - The University of Colorado women's soccer team shutout Nebraska 4-0 on top of a stellar offensive performance in the first half here on Friday.

With the win, Colorado improves to 5-3-3, 1-1-0 Big 12 and claims their sixth shutout of the season, while Nebraska falls to 4-4-3, 1-2-0 Big 12.

"We limited their touches and really worked on playing the ball wide," said head coach Bill Hempen. "They're an aggressive team. We countered well, and when we do that we're a dangerous team."

The Buffs started strong out of the gate as freshman Mel Hicks carried the ball down the sideline in the 10th minute and sent a cross into the middle of the box. Freshman Michaela DeJesus volleyed the ball and Nebraska's goalkeeper tipped it with her hand, but it would take junior Nikki Keller to get the Buffs on the board as she broke through the defense and headed the ball into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Colorado would strike again less than three minutes later when DeJesus played a perfect ball down the line to a sprinting Hicks down the right side of the field. Hicks sent a long cross across the box to sophomore Nikki Marshall on the left side. Marshall one-timed in to the lower right corner past the out-stretched hands of Husker keeper Jessica Mills.

"Mel's ball was gorgeous," said Marshall. "I didn't have to do anything. I just stuck my foot out to trap it and then put it in the goal. Mel had two assists in the game and we're so proud of her. She really came out hard today."

CU would not let up the pressure as they continued to demonstrate offensive chemistry on a perfectly executed counter-attack in the 20th minute. Hicks carried the ball again to the top of the 18 and flicked a pass to freshman Kym Lowry. Lowry took a look at the goal and fired a shot past the keeper to give the Buffs a solid 3-0 lead.

"It's definitely rewarding," said Hicks. "We really felt a lot of chemistry on the field today. Everyone was solid from the defense to the forwards and the midfielders did a really good job of getting the ball up front. We worked hard to hold it and created a lot of open spaces. It was awesome to finally finish and overall it felt great."

The Buffaloes would close out the half with what proved to be the final goal of the game when Keller carried the ball up to midfield and passed a through ball to a streaking Marshall who outran three Husker defenders down the field. Marshall kept possession of the ball until she got into the box and put a shot on the ground that skipped past Nebraska's keeper, Mills, for her second goal of the game and fifth of the season.

"Finally," said Marshall. "I think this week we just worked so hard after last weekend and it paid off. Even though we had a tough week, Bill (Hempen) knows what he is doing and we went out there today and made it click."

The game-winning goal by Keller marked her first of the season, while freshman Lowry recorded her first career goal. Freshman Kaylee Boryla made her collegiate debut in the game when she entered the match late in the second half.

Marshall led all Buffaloes with three shots, all of which were on goal and two of the three resulted in goals. Despite the four-goal differential, Nebraska outshot the Buffaloes 16-13. Both keepers recorded four saves, with Colorado keeper Kara Linder racking up all four in the second half.

"A lot of bounces went our way today," said Hempen. "All of the bounces and touches and tackles that have been going against us went our way. I'm glad we got our first victory in Big 12 play."

Colorado returns to the pitch on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. when they take on the Iowa State Cyclones and look to close out the weekend with their second Big 12 Conference victory here at Prentup Field.