Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagles Open Five-Game Homestand Sunday Against Pittsburgh
9/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 26, 2009
MILWAUKEE -
Marquette vs Pitt Game Notes in PDF Format 
The Marquette women's soccer team returns to the friendly confines of Valley Fields Sunday where it will open a five-game homestand against Pittsburgh at noon. The game is the first of a doubleheader with the men's team who will play Louisville at 2:15 p.m.
The Golden Eagles are eager to return to their winning ways following a heart-breaking 1-0 loss at West Virginia Thursday. Despite out-shooting the Mountaineers, 13-7, a late goal by WVU's Caroline Szwed in the 87th minute ended the Marquette women's soccer team's four-game win streak.
Offensively, Marquette created many opportunities inside WVU's lower third, but was unable to capitalize. Five of MU's 13 shots were on target and it was awarded five corner kicks. Sophomore Rachael Sloan registered a game-high six shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Kulla who has played every minute of every game in goal was credited with one save.
Pittsburgh, one of the surprise teams out of the BIG EAST, cracked the national polls for the first time in program history after beginning the season with four straight wins over Buffalo (1-0), Ohio State (2-1), Kent State (1-0) and Xavier (3-0). Since then, Pitt has gone 1-1-2 in its last four games including 0-0 double overtime draws in its last two contests against West Virginia and USF.
Ashley Cuba leads the Panthers offensively with 15 points on six goals and three assists. Her 15 points ranks fourth in the league while her six goals stand third. In goal, Morie Kephart has played all 854 minutes. She owns a 0.53 goals against average and has totaled 45 saves.
Marquette is 4-0 all-time against the Panthers. In the two teams' last meeting, Ashley Bares and Danielle Martens each scored a goal to help MU defeat Pitt, 2-0, at Valley Fields. The Golden Eagles have scored two goals in all four games of the series.
