Women's Soccer Shuts Out Loyola and Wis.-Green Bay

April 19, 2007

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette women's soccer team made more positive strides in spring play as it shut out Loyola (Ill.), 2-0, and Wis.-Green Bay 3-0, Thursday evening at Valley Fields. The Golden Eagles spread the wealth in scoring with goals from juniors Christy Zwolski and Britni Benage, as well as freshmen Katie Miller and Brittany Bares.

"The team continues to take steps forward," said head coach Markus Roeders. "The goal for the spring is to see individual and team improvement and we are raising our level of play. Our possession game showed flashes of being very good and we need to keep working on our consistency and understand where the open space is and how we can breakdown opponents. Defensively, it is good to get two shutouts and a very solid effort from our team."

In both outings many players saw action and had strong showings. Against Loyola the freshman made the most of their opportunities as both scores were by rookies. Miller got the first tally of the evening in the 18th minute on a cross from junior striker Allison Mallams. Bares made it 2-0 in favor of Marquette as she was able to knock the ball past Loyola's keeper during a scramble in front of the goal.

After a short break, Marquette faced Wis.-Green Bay. The Golden Eagles wasted no time as Zwolski scored and put the Golden Eagles up 1-0. Sophomore Aubrey Trembly was credited with the assist by playing the ball behind the defense and connecting with Zwolski far post.

Zwolski followed her first goal with another one six minutes into the second half. Mallams crossed the ball from the left side where Zwolski was able to run onto it and knock it in. Benage sealed the 3-0 shut out with her goal from sophomore Katie Kelly in the 55th minute.

"On the attacking end, we showed good combination play and all of our goals were well finished," added Roeders. "We could have scored more and the team understands that they won't get 10 to 15 good chances per game. These games gave us another chance to improve and evaluate. It is good to see that two freshmen scored tonight and that our forwards contributed goals and assists."

The Golden Eagles will take these solid performances into the final weekend of the spring season as they travel to Omaha, Neb., Marquette will join Creighton, South Dakota State, Rockhurst and Nebraska-Omaha as part of Creighton's "Kicks for a Cure." Kicks for a Cure features a full day of soccer to raise money and awareness in the fight against women's cancer. Marquette will play South Dakota State at 9 a.m., at Morrison Stadium on Saturday, and will face host Creighton at 6 p.m.

"After tonight, it will be a quick turnaround as we head to Omaha and two full games on Saturday. We are looking forward to taking part of Creighton's fundraising event and being part of the showcase game on Saturday night."