NU Drops Close Game to UC Riverside

Lincoln-The Huskers couldn’t capitalize on their scoring chances, as UC Riverside escaped the Nebraska Soccer Field with a 1-0 win over NU on Friday. More than 660 fans watched Nebraska outshoot the Highlanders 23-13, but UCR found the back of the net to improve to 3-0 on the season. The Huskers start the season 0-2 for the first time since 1995.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

Both teams had their chances early, as Nebraska racked up nine shots to UCR’s eight in the first half. A Highlander goal just two minutes into the second period came courtesy of forward Tessa Lennala, and forced the Huskers to step up their attack. NU went on to notch 14 shots in the second period, putting 10 total shots on goal to just six shots on goal for UC Riverside. Nebraska’s best chance at an equalizer came in the 52nd minute when forward Molly Thomas got behind the UCR defense, but put her shot off the post.

 

Thomas, a freshman, led the way for NU offensively with four shots, putting three on goal. Senior forward Aysha Jamani and junior defender Anna Caniglia also put two shots on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Mills made four saves, while the Husker offense forced Highlander keeper Brittany Goetz to make 10 saves.

 

The crowd of 668 was Nebraska’s largest home crowd since the 2005 season when the Huskers face Creighton in the NCAA tournament on Nov. 11.

 

The Huskers face Florida on Sunday in Gainesville. Kick off is scheduled for Noon Central time.