Marquette Tops Syracuse, 1-0

Oct. 12, 2008

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -

For the second consecutive game sophomore Ashley Bares scored the game-winning goal as the Marquette women's soccer team topped Syracuse, 1-0, at SU Soccer Stadium Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Golden Eagles remain at the top of the BIG EAST American Division and improve to 9-4-2 (5-1-1 BIG EAST). The Orange drops to 4-7-2 (1-4-1).

"This is a good result for us considering it wasn't one of our best performances," said head coach Markus Roeders. "It was a physical match and we struggled to find a rhythm in the game, but we have to be happy with the win considering all the road matches our squad has played. Again, there is no such thing as an 'easy' BIG EAST match so congrats to our team."

Bares scored the lone goal of the game in the 28th minute as her sister, junior Brittany Bares, served the ball in and Ashley was able to bury it far post. It was all the Golden Eagles needed to hang on for the win despite the numerous chances to score.

Right from the opening whistle Marquette attacked. Junior Michelle Compty found herself in position to score but her header went wide at the 3:30 mark. Sophomore Julia Victor had an opportunity in the 10th minute, and junior Anna Sawicki's shot was saved by SU keeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan in the 12th minute.

By the end of the first 45-minute frame Marquette owned a 7-4 shots advantage, with three of those going on target.

In the second half, Marquette continued to push forward with a player advantage due to Syracuse's Amanda Arcuri red-card ejection in the 63 minute, but the Golden Eagles were unlucky with their finishes. Victor's flick of the ball on a service from senior Katie Kelly just missed the goal. Sophomore Kristi Laurenzi got inside box and found Becky Ryan open, but the Bennett-Hattan reacted well for the save.

"The opportunities were there to increase the score, but we just didn't convert. Ashley did a great job of getting on the end of her sister's service and she finished nicely far post. Overall, it was a great weekend for our ladies playing in two tough enviroments and gaining two wins. Now it is time for us to get back to Valley Fields." said Roeders.

For the game, Marquette out-shot the Orange 11-7. Redshirt freshman keeper Natalie Kulla made four saves over all 90 minutes in net, while Bennett-Hattan stopped three shots.

Marquette returns home for the remainder of the regular season and will host Louisville on Friday, Oct. 17, at Valley Fields. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.