Golden Eagles Edge Connecticut, 1-0

Sept. 28, 2008

MILWAUKEE - It was an all out battle Sunday afternoon at Valley Fields as the Marquette women's soccer team used its first first-half goal of the season to defeat Connecticut, 1-0. With the win, the Golden Eagles earn their second BIG EAST Conference victory and move to 6-3-2 overall (2-0-1 BIG EAST) while the Huskies drop to 3-6-2 (1-1-1 BIG EAST) on the season.

"It definitely was a battle between two teams who can play quality soccer, but just haven't scored many goals. It just came down to one goal, but I don't think anyone expected this to be a high-scoring game. I thought we played more effective in the first half in terms of creating chances, but we defended very well throughout which led to our attack. Many players contributed in this win, and that shows the strength of our team."

Sophomore Kristi Laurenzi's first goal of her career in the 27th minute proved to be the difference maker of the game. Sophomore Julia Victor got things started with her pass to Laurenzi on the right side. Laurenzi then controlled the ball and took the shot low to the ground to the far left post. As the ball was rolling towards the back of the net, sophomore Ashley Bares drew her defender with her across the face of the goal which served as a distraction for Labbe.

For the first half, both teams were even with seven shots and three on goal. Aside from its goal Marquette had two other quality opportunities to score, first in the 12th minute and again in the 44th minute. First, freshman Danielle Martens' shot was knocked away by Labbe at the 11:38 mark, and senior Kelli DeBarge got her head on a corner kick from Katie Kelly that went wide at the 43:30 mark.

"We were excited to score that goal in the first half, it is something that we haven't done all year. Being up 1-0 going into the second half, we had a different mentality because we didn't have to chase. I think our game improved as the game went on, especially defensively when they pressured. Everything that we have been through this season has helped us to be in this situation to protect the lead instead of having to chase it. I thought we really held them and that is what it takes to beat a team like UConn, who despite its record, is probably the best 3-6-2 team in the country," said Roeders.

In the second half, Marquette's stingy defense contained Huskies and allowed just three shots, only one on goal, while the Golden Eagles had two more quality opportunities to score.

Sophomore Rosie Malone-Povolny put one on target that was saved by Labbe in the 61st minute, but perhaps one of MU's best chances in the second came from freshman Lisa Philbin in the 71st minute. Junior Kelly Wepking chipped the ball over to Philbin who positioned her self on the right post, but her shot sailed high over the goal.

For the game, the Golden Eagles held a narrow shots edge, 11-10, while freshman keeper Natalie Kulla pitched in a four-save shutout over 90 minutes in net. Labbe made five saves for the Huskies.

The Golden Eagles begin a four-match road swing at DePaul on Friday, Oct. 3. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. in Chicago.