'Roos Hosting Creighton Seeking Their First Win
8/24/2011 1:05:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Kansas City, Mo -- The UMKC women's soccer team kicked off its 2011 season on a positive note by remaining undefeated through the first two games for the first time in the programs three-year history. On Friday, the squad settled for a 0-0 tie against the rival Rockhurst Hawks, while tying Youngstown State 1-1 on a second half goal from Taylor Bare.
Coming up this week, UMKC will host the Creighton Bluejays in what will be the last game of a three-game home stand. The following week, UMKC will hit the road for a two-game road trip against Florida International (Sept. 2) and Florida Atlantic (Sept. 4).
Scouting the Opponent
After a 15-4-2 record, a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and an NCAA tournament appearance last season, the Creighton Bluejays have gotten off to a 1-0 start in 2011 with a win on the road against South Dakota State last Friday.
Head coach Bruce Erickson, the Bluejay's all-time winningest women's soccer coach, is entering his 13th season at Creighton, where he has lead the program to four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last eight seasons.
This year, the Jays are returning four of their top scorers, led by Brittney Neumann, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and Lauren Cingoranelli, the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament MVP.
The Series
UMKC is 0-2 all-time against Creighton. In the two games, Creighton has outscored the 'Roos, 6-0.
UMKC Looks To Improve Offensive Continuity
In two games this season, UMKC has scored one goal (Taylor Bare) on 20 shot attempts, on one assist (Ashley Gann). As the season continues, the 'Roos are hoping to make significant strides offensively as they approach Summit League play.
Finnell Picking Up Where She Left Off
Through two contests, the most consistent player on the UMKC roster has been goalkeeper Jami Finnell. In 220 minutes of action, Finnell has given up one goal on 14 shots including a handful that could have easily resulted in goals. However, Finnell and the rest of the 'Roos defense will be tested by Creighton's offensive fire power.
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