Marquette University Athletics
Women's Soccer downs No. 13 Illinois, 1-0
2/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 27, 2006
MILWAUKEE - The Marquette women's soccer team picked up a big win in its season opener, defeating 13th ranked Illinois, 1-0, at Valley Fields.
Marquette scored in the 25th minute. Christy Zwolski placed on a shot from six yards out to the far post that passed Illinois keeper Lindsey Carstens. Zwolski received the ball from Julie Thomson who led her toward the goal. Thompson was fed by an entry from Lindsay Michuda.
"It gives me a lot of confidence to get that first goal of the season," Zwolski said.
The Golden Eagles defense was up to the challenge of the potent Illinois offense. Marquette held the Fighting Illini to just eight shots and limited Illinois to three shots on goal, with the first coming late in the second half. Marquette's defense was led by Michelle Pitzl, who transitions to defender this season.
"I played defender throughout the spring and I've been practicing all preseason as a defender, so it's becoming easier for me," Pitzl said. "Having someone like Heather Goranson to help me makes it better."
Marquette also got a solid effort in goal from Laura Boyer, a sophomore making her first appearance in a Marquette uniform. The sophomore made three saves recording her first shutout as a Golden Eagle.
Marquette the pace up, controlling the offense for much of the second half. The Golden Eagles had an opportunity to score midway through the second half. Thompson sent a free kick toward the Illinois goal that was saved by Illini keeper.
"We're elated," head coach Markus Roeders said. "The team worked hard to get the result, overcoming obstacles, turning in gutsy efforts. I'm very proud of our efforts and we deserved the win tonight."
Illinois had one opportunity to score with 13 minutes left in the match. Kelly Campbell placed a ball past a diving Boyer, but Campbell was offsides prior to receiving the entry pass.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Sunday, August 28 at noon against Northwestern at Engelmann Field on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
