Golden Eagles Host USF in BIG EAST Lidlifter Thursday

Sept. 16, 2009

MILWAUKEE -

The Marquette women's soccer team looks to keep its home winning streak alive and open its fifth season of BIG EAST Conference play as it hosts USF at Valley Fields Thursday, Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

"We are excited about the start of BIG EAST play," said head coach Markus Roeders. "The non-conference schedule has prepared us well and our team continues to improve every day. Once we enter conference play, the urgency and importance of the games changes significantly. Winning is always important, but now we compete for points and spots in the standings. Every game will be tightly contested and we can't afford any letdowns. USF is a quality team that is improved from last year. We can't underestimate them because they will push us to the limit."

The Golden Eagles (5-2) are coming off a pair of shutouts last week, 3-0 over Green Bay and 1-0 over No. 23 Minnesota at Valley Fields, which helped push their shutout streak to six consecutive home games Overall, the Golden Eagles boast a 112-32-10 record on its home field.

"Playing at Valley Fields is great, and our home record speaks for itself. But, we can't rely on what we have done so far; we have to continue to get better. A big crowd will be a welcomed edge for the match. The fans should expect entertaining soccer as we play our game Thursday night is the kickoff for the Big East women's schedule across the league," added Roeders.

Marquette has proved that any player on the team is capable of finding the back of the net as seven different MU players have tallied a goal already this season. Senior Becky Ryan and sophomore Lindsey Page lead the team with two goals, while seniors Brittany Bares, Michelle Compty, junior Stephanie Vasos and sophomores Rachael Sloan and Danielle Martens have all scored one goal for Marquette.

In goal, sophomore Natalie Kulla, who was a two-time BIG EAST Honor Roll selection, has played every minute of every match this season. Overall, Kulla has allowed just three goals, registered five shutout wins, and owns the third-best goals against average in the league at 0.42.

Marquette is 3-1 in BIG EAST Conference openers and has played the Bulls in each BIG EAST Conference lidlifter. Overall the Golden Eagles are 10-2-1 all-time against the Bulls, and have won the last two meetings.

The Bulls (2-3-1), who haven't won nor lost consecutive games enter Friday's match on the heels of a 1-0 defeat at UCF Sunday. Noelle Pinerio leads the Bulls with eight points on four goals.

Goalkeeper Mallori Lofton-Malachi has seen all but 45 minutes in net and has recorded a league-leading 35 saves and a 0.87 goals against average.

The Bulls were picked to finish fifth in the 2009 preseason poll after a sixth-place finish in the American Division with a 3-7-1 conference mark in 2008.

Following its match against the Bulls, the Golden Eagles will play at Western Michigan Sunday, Sept. 20.