Marquette University Athletics
Marquette University
Louisville *
Sawicki Nets First Career Goal as Marquette Tops No. 17 Louisville, 1-0
10/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 15, 2006
MILWAUKEE - Freshman Anna Sawicki's first career goal and stellar play from Marquette's defense is what it took for the Marquette women's soccer team to defeat 17th-ranked Louisville, 1-0, at Valley Fields Sunday. The Golden Eagles improve to 7-5-4 overall and 5-3-1 in the BIG EAST, while the Cardinals drop to 11-3-1 and 6-3-0 in conference play.
"Today we really earned the win," said head coach Markus Roeders. "We kept working hard and creating opportunities. I am very proud that we earned the result against a very good team. We stayed focus on what we needed to do and played a complete 90 minute game. I would have to think back to last season for the last time we played a 90 minute game the way we did today."
Sawicki netted the game winner in the 84th minute in a set play right after she was substituted in for junior Christy Zwolski with 7:18 remaining in the game when Marquette was awarded a corner kick. Sophomore defender Katie Kelly served the ball in where Sawicki was positioned near post. Sawicki got her had on it; the ball hit the post and ricocheted in.
"We made the substitution and with her height she was able to step in and get what we were looking for," Roeders said.
"I feel like I have now accomplished something for the season," said Sawicki of her game-winning goal. "It feels even better because it was from another teammate. It was teamwork all together that got us the goal."
The Golden Eagles got a scare in the first minute of the game when sophomore defender Shannon Cusick went down after colliding with teammate, senior Lauren Weber. Cusick was able to shake it off and play the remainder of the game.
Marquette's defense was sound in the first half limiting the Cardinals to one shot total for the half, while the Golden Eagles launched eight shots, four of those on goal.
In the second half Marquette finally got a good opportunity to score when Lousiville's keeper, Joanna Haig, was issued a yellow card and the Golden Eagles were awarded a free kick in the 75th minute. Katie Kelly stepped up to take the shot, but sent it high over the crossbar.
Louisville countered with an opportunity of its own in the 76th minute when senior defender Michelle Pitzl was given a yellow card for a reckless tackle. However Louisville's striker, Mallory Lampson, was denied when she directed her shot on goal right at junior goalkeeper Laura Boyer.
Kelly had a chance to redeem herself a few minutes later with another free kick after a foul was called on Louisville, but the Cardinals' defense was able to knock it out.
For the game, Boyer had a relatively easy day in goal making two saves as the Golden Eagles defense limited the Cardinals to only two chances for the entire 90 minute match.
"Our team defense limited Louisville to very few opportunities," remarked Roeders. "Overall our team didn't give a whole lot and they are a high offensive team. Our back five kept it very compact. We were very cohesive as a team today."
Marquette totaled 13 shots on goal for the match with six of those being on goal. The Golden Eagles also created four corner kick opportunities while the Cardinals did not receive one. Louisville keeper, Haig, made five saves in 90 minutes of play.
Marquette will have a short two day break and return to action Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., when it hosts Wis.-Green Bay in its final regular season home contest at Valley Fields.
"We have another big game on Tuesday, but we will enjoy the moment today. We are in charge of our own destiny and we want to keep winning."
