Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagles Take On United States Under-20 National Team
3/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The Marquette women's soccer team dropped a 5-0 decision to the United States Under-20 National Team on March 10 in College Station, Tex.
The US U-20's are coming off a successful CONCACAF Final Qualifying Tournament in Mexico at the end of January. The USA won the tournament to secure a berth to the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship, held in Russia from Aug. 17-Sept. 3. The U.S. squad played four college teams - Marquette, BYU, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M - in preparation for World Cup play.
In the Golden Eagles' match versus the US, MU conceded two first half goals on the U-20's first three shots, but played an extremely even match, mostly played in the midfield. The US made use of their chances, converting on two of their shots on goal. Marquette had three good scoring opportunities - with shots by Christy Zwolski, Katie Kelly and Alli McBride - but did not convert. The United States led, 2-0, at the break, outshooting the blue and gold by a count of 5-2.
The even play continued through the beginning of the second half, until the National Team added a third goal in the 69th minute. Goalkeeper Laura Boyer subbed out for Christy Smith for the rest of the way.
"I am proud of our team's performance." said head coach Markus Roeders. "We performed at a high level all night and played with a lot of passion and discipline for most part of the game. The U20 National Team is incredibly talented and I thought we gave them a good test as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup."
"We have to consider that this was our first opportunity to play on grass in over four months." Roeders added. "Our spring training as been limited to small sided games, mostly indoors, when considered we gave it our best for ninety minutes. Our legs got tired at the end but overall a very good start for the spring. This team is capable of playing at a very high level and once we play more outdoors, the spring should give us an outstanding springboard for the upcoming fall."
The Golden Eagles continue their Spring schedule on April 1, in Huntsville, Ala., taking on Ole Miss and Samford.
Add in their our next event on April 1st in Alabama vs. Ole Miss and Samford. This past Fall, both squads were among the field of 64 in the NCAA Championship. Ole Miss captured the West division of the SEC and fell to Pepperdine in the first round, while Samford advanced to the second round, also dropping a decision to Pepperdine.
"Our team is excited about their spring season. We've been training hard and our schedule if very competitive." Roeders stated. "Each of our games will prepare for the 2006 Fall season."
