Creighton University
UMKC
Women's Soccer Remains Undefeated with 2-0 Shutout Over UMKC
8/25/2011 8:58:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Creighton women's soccer team improved to 2-0-0 on the season, defeating UMKC 2-0 on the Kangaroo's home turf on Thursday. The Jays received first half goals by Brittney Neumann and Erin Gunther, while Katie Jo Swanson picked up her first shutout of the season, the second for the team, playing the entire 90 minutes.
" We had a very positive performance tonight," said head coach Bruce Erickson. "The win was highlighted by two very good goals and a shutout."
The Jays came out firing, taking two shots on goal within the first 10 minutes of play. Neumann took the first shot in the seventh minute, before a corner kick from Beth Fyles resulted in a Kelly Connolly attempt, both stopped by UMKC goalkeeper Jami Finnell. Connolly, Fyles and Gunther each took another shot before the Jays allowed a shot. Swanson made her first save of the game in the 30th minute of play, her only stop of the first half.
Neumann put the Jays on the board first, netting a shot in the 33rd minute of play. A lead pass by Lauren Cingoranelli resulted in the first goal for Neumann on the season, her 17th of her career. Gunther scored just five minutes later, an unassisted goal in the 38th minute of play, putting the Jays up 2-0 at the half.
Creighton took nine shots in the first half, led by Connolly with three. Connolly and Neumann each put two shots on goal, leading the Jays in the opening frame.
The second half followed suit with the opener, with Creighton controlling much of the match. UMKC upped it's offensive pressure in the frame, however, tying the Jays with five shots a piece in the second half. Connolly got things going, taking the first shot of the half just four minutes in. The two teams played scoreless through the frame, finishing the match with a 2-0 Bluejay win.
"We need to clean up our play in the attacking third and the goals will come. I really liked our effort tonight," said Erickson.
Connolly led all players with four shots, three on goal, while Newmann and Fyles each had three shots and two on goal. Swanson finished the night with two saves. Creighton outshot the Kangaroos 14-6, with a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Creighton improves to 2-0 for the first time since the 2008 season, picking up its third straight win over UMKC, now holding an 8-0 advantage in goals.
The Jays will play their season opener next Friday, Sept. 2, hosting Oklahoma State at Morrison Stadium. The match is set for 7:00 pm from Morrison Stadium.
