Huskers Drop Exhibition Match at Louisville

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Louisville, Ky. ? The Nebraska women’s soccer team paid tribute to former Husker captain Jenna Cooper by playing an exhibition match against the University of Louisville in Cooper’s hometown on Saturday afternoon to raise money for Nebraska’s Jenna Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

On the field, a youthful Husker team suffered a 2-0 loss to the Cardinals, tying the annual exhibition series with Louisville at two games apiece. Eight NU freshmen saw their first playing time for the Huskers, including three newcomers who earned starting positions in forward Brittany Goosen, midfielder Anna White and goalkeeper Jessica Mills.

Louisville controlled much of the game, outshooting the Huskers 16-13, including 10-4 in the first half. The Cardinals recorded nine shots on goal to Nebraska’s five.

The Cardinals scored early in the contest on Kelsey Hunyadi’s goal in the eighth minute. Hunyadi broke through Nebraska’s defense and beat Mills to the left. Louisville continued to apply pressure with 10 total shots and four corner kicks in the opening half.

Another Louisville goal early in the second half gave the Cardinals more cushion. Monique Gjini put the ball past Mills from 30 yards out.

The Huskers continued to battle and gained momentum as the game progressed, outshooting the Cardinals 9-6 in the second half.

Junior Selenia Iacchelli led the Husker offense with two shots on goal.

The Huskers return to Nebraska to begin their regular season at home on Sunday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m. against Northwestern at the Nebraska Soccer Field.