Soccer Claims 1-0 Win Over Iowa State

Sunday, September 27

Boulder, Colo.

1 p.m.

Colorado

6-5-0, 3-0-0Big 12

Iowa State

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

Iowa State

Colorado

September 27, 2009 | Soccer

Box Score

By: Allie Musso, Assistant SID

BOULDER - The University of Colorado women's soccer team used an early first half goal to gain control of the game and capture its second-straight shutout win as the

Buffaloes defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 1-0 here Sunday afternoon.

Colorado (6-5-0) improved to 3-0 in Big 12 Conference play while forcing ISU to drop to 4-3-4 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12.

"Our non-conference games were really difficult this year but so far that has helped us tremendously with league play," said head coach Bill Hempen. "We are off to a 3-0 start and have yet to give up a goal. Any coach would be happy with that."

Colorado got off to an early start against the Cyclones when freshman Erin Bricker carried the ball down the right side of the flank past a number of ISU defenders. Bricker was put under heavy pressure on the near post and dished out a quick pass to senior Kelly Menachof, who one-touched the ball into the back of the net for the early 1-0 lead just 4:17 minutes into the game.

"The fast start was huge for us today,· said Menachof. "Getting a goal in the first ten minutes was a great way to set the tone of the game. Usually we have strong possession in the first half but capitalizing and getting a goal early was essential for the win.

"The goal I scored was all due to Erin [Bricker]. She had a fantastic run and played the ball perfectly between the defenders and served a great pass to me in the middle of the box and I was able to put the ball in the net.·

The goal was Menachof's third career goal and the first of her senior campaign. Bricker currently leads all Buffs with three assists on the year.

Colorado outshot the Cyclones seven to five in the first half and CU had three shots on goal to ISU's zero.

In the 61st minute the Buffaloes exploded with a trio of shots within a three-second span when Menachof, Nikki Marshall and Kym Lowry fired back-to-back-to-back shots at ISU keeper Ann Gleason. Gleason saved the first two shots and Lowry's was blocked out of bounds by a Cyclone defender for a CU corner kick, keeping the Buffs from claiming an insurance goal in the second half.

Iowa State's first and only shot on goal came in the 70th minute when Kelsey Calvert sent a low shot in from the top of the box, but senior goalkeeper Kara Linder was there to make the save.

Colorado finished the game with 17 total shots, to Iowa State's nine, and the Buffs racked up six shots on goal to the Cyclones' one. Marshall led all Buffs with six shots in the game and Menachof added four, with three of those four on frame.

The game also proved to be a family match-up as junior forward Amanda Foulk faced-off against her sister, Natalie, a freshman defender for Iowa State for the first time in her career.

"Our non-conference schedule has really helped us out," added Menachof. "All of the games have been a good test and great preparation for Big 12 play. Even though we had a tough road trip we are focused on winning in league play. Our focus is to stay on top in the Big 12 and eventually get the Big 12 championship."

The Buffaloes are 3-0 in league play with three 1-0 shutout wins over Oklahoma State, Nebraska and Iowa State. The young Colorado defense, with Linder's experience in the goal, has claimed four total shutouts through 11 games.

"Our defense is getting more and more comfortable," said Hempen. 'Quinn [Krier] has been playing outstanding, Kelly Ross has played well all year and Amy [Barczuk] has been a true leader for us. Kym Lowry has also been our unsung defender for this season as well as last season and continues to be an important piece on defense. We are continuing to get more comfortable as the season goes on and that is leading to better play by everyone."

Colorado will wrap-up its three-game home stand this Friday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. against the University of Oklahoma at Prentup Field. The Buffs will then hit the road on Sunday, Oct. 4 when they travel to Baylor for the first match-up of a five-game road trip.

"These two games [Nebraska and Iowa State] were absolutely necessary," added Hempen. "After our difficult trip to California it was crucial that we came out this weekend and won two games. It is always difficult playing on the road so taking advantage of the home-field is important for every single game. Our next game at home against Oklahoma is even more important because now we're in Big 12 play and we want to stay on top of the conference for as long as possible."

Before the Buffs go on the road, come out and support CU on Ralphie Day this Friday before the Oklahoma game. This will be your chance to meet Ralphie V, the No. 1 mascot in the country, and watch her run before the start of the game. In addition, the first 500 fans will receive a FREE Ralphie Rally Hand.