Marquette University Athletics
Marquette University
Samford
Marquette Shuts Out Samford, 2-0
8/31/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 31, 2008
MILWAUKEE -
With two second-half goals from junior Kelly Wepking and sophomore Julia Victor, the Marquette women's soccer team shutout Samford, 2-0, in the finale of the Milwaukee Cup Sunday afternoon.
Senior Shannon Cusick, junior Chelsey Turner and sophomore Lauren Acree each earned a spot on the all-tournament team for their stellar play as MU improved to 3-0 on the season.
"We are pleased with the results this weekend," said head coach Markus Roeders. "Our goal coming in was to win the game and to get a shutout. I thought it was a better performance in many areas compared to our game on Friday against Ohio State. We got stronger as the game went on. We had terrific defense and were able to knock the ball around and create opportunities."
The Golden Eagles pushed into Samford territory right off the opening whistle as Acree, freshman Danielle Martens and senior Katie Kelly accounted for MU's first five shots of the contest. Martens put both of her attempts on target as Marquette controlled play for the majority of the first half. The Golden Eagles limited Samford to two shots, while the MU fired off 14, six on goal, through the first 45-minute period.
After the intermission the Golden Eagles picked up right where they left off peppering Samford's keeper, Cayley Winters with shots. Marquette fired nine shots before Victor's goal in the 70th minute that gave the Golden Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Victor knocked down Winters' goal kick, took two dribbles and sent the ball high to the left corner from about 20 yards out. It was her first career goal at Marquette.
"Julia's shot was terrific," said Roeders of her goal. "It was one of 10 or more opportunities we had like that."
Marquette continued to attack and capitalized in the 86th minute when Wepking found the back of the net to go ahead 2-0. Sophomore Ashley Bares set up the goal for her first assist of the season.
For the game, Marquette dominated the shots column, out-shooting the Bulldogs, 24-2, including a 16-0 shots on goal advantage. Turner was credited with her first shut out as a Golden Eagle thanks to MU's stifling backline.
"We had a bunch of opportunities, but our conversion rate on those opportunities is not where it needs to be. If that is our dilemma right now and we are still winning games, I don't think we can complain too much," said Roeders.
The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday, September 3, when they host UW-Milwaukee at Valley Fields at 7 p.m.
Tournament Note
? Due to a tie-breaker - total goals scored - UW-Milwaukee claimed the tournament crown. The Panthers defeated Ohio State, 4-3, and Samford, 4-2.
