Soccer Records 2-0 Shutout Against Kansas

Sunday, October 5

Lawrence, Kan.

Noon

Colorado

9-2-2, 3-1-1Big 12

Kansas

8-4-0, 2-2-0Big 12

Colorado

Kansas

Photo by: Tony Harman

October 05, 2008 | Soccer

Box Score

By: Allie Musso, Assistant SID

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The University of Colorado women's soccer team claimed a 2-0 win over Kansas here Sunday, giving head coach Bill Hempen his 250th career victory.

In his 21st season as a head coach, eighth at Colorado, Hempen is just one of 17 active Division I head coaches to eclipse the 250 win plateau.

"We did well," said associate head coach Paul Hogan. "The players know that on a weekend trip, with two games on the road they have to get points where they can and play well. We didn't play very well on Friday and we were physically handled a little bit, but we came back today and competed and played good soccer when we needed to. We finished our chances and did a good job. It was a great way to bounce back and get three points, so this was a big win for us."

With the win, the Buffaloes improve to 9-2-2, 3-1-1 Big 12, while the Jayhawks drop to 8-4-1, 2-2-0 Big 12.

Both teams were scoreless in the first half, with Kansas outshooting the Buffaloes 12 to four. Colorado goalkeeper Kirstin Radlinski racked up four saves in the half to Kansas' three.

Colorado's offense, after being held scoreless on Friday in the 1-0 loss to Missouri, responded in the second half ready to take control of the game.

Senior midfielder Nikki Keller got the Buffs started off when she received a through ball from forward Nikki Marshall and buried it in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead with 36 minutes left to play in the game.

"It wasn't the prettiest game we've ever played, but the effort was there," said Keller. "We were able to pull off two goals in the second half to win it. We bounced back from the game on Friday. We were definitely disappointed, but winning the game 2-0 today gave us our confidence back, so we'll be ready to go next weekend."

"We started off a little flat and didn't have a great first half," said Hogan. "We made some adjustments at halftime, the kids did what we told them and we played better in the second half. I thought we controlled play better and finished our chances."

Just under ten minutes later, reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Gianna DeSaverio scored her sixth goal of the season to give the buffs the 2-0 win. DeSaverio capitalized on a KU turnover and scored a goal from seven yards out to put the Buffs up 2-0.

Colorado's Radlinski shutout the Jayhawks for the first time this season, while the win marked just the second time this season that CU has been outshot by an opponent.

Colorado will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 10 when they host No. 12 Texas in Boulder at 4 p.m. CU Athletics is teaming up with "Coats for Colorado" and the Buffs are looking to gather gently used or new coats that will be distributed to charitable organizations, homeless shelters, and thousands of people in need. Fans will have the opportunity to donate their coats Friday at the game and the first 100 people who donate a coat will receive a FREE pair of CU Crocs flip-flops. As always, admission and parking at Prentup Field is free.

"We just need to get a little healthier this week and get back to the basics," said Hogan. "We need to train hard this week and get ready for two tough games at home next weekend. We've played Texas well in the past and I think we will give them a good game. If we play well we can beat them, so I think we have a good chance."