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Women's Soccer Weekly Release
9/20/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Bulls Fall to Niagara at the Big Four Tournament
The Bulls defense played a solid game, but a second half deflection led to the game's only goal in a 1-0 loss against Niagara at the PUMA/Big Four Tournament, hosted by St. Bonaventure University.
The team continued its inspired play against local rivals, holding the Purple Eagles - who entered the game with a 4-1-1 record - scoreless in the first half and most of the second. The only goal in the game came in the 69th minute of play, as a free kick was deflected past freshman goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon. The Waterloo, Ontario native made four saves in the game and currently sits in the top five in the Mid-American Conference in saves and in the top five in saves per game.
The offense put eight shots on goal, but were unable to take advantage of the looks they created. Senior Lindsey Bailey led the team with two shots on goal, while six other players took one shot on goal apiece.
Bulls Lose in Big Four Tournament Finale
Despite a season-high 18 shots, the Buffalo women's soccer team continues to try and hone its timing and offensive chemistry after a 3-0 loss against Canisius Sunday afternoon. The loss, the team's fourth in a row, came in the final game of the Big Four Tournament.
Despite the season high in shots, the team only put two on goal. The Golden Griffins put 16 of its 22 shots on goal but were themselves shut down for most of the game. Wheldon matched her previous career and season high of 10 saves in only a little over 72 minutes of play. Senior goalie Courtney McHale subbed in for her first ever appearance and added three saves and one goal allowed in just over 17 minutes of action.
Buffalo out-played the Griffs in the first half, holding a 12-7 advantage on shots and a 5-1 advantage on corner kicks. The Bulls lost momentum early in the second, though, allowing a goal in the 52nd minute and another exactly 15 minutes later. Bailey again led the team with four shots, with five other Bulls tied with two shots each.
Freshmen Lauren Coviello and Courtney Gross were named to the all-tournament team for their effort in the two weekend games. The honor was Coviello's second of the season, as she was named to the same team in the Niagara Fall Classic.
By the Numbers
As the non-conference season comes to a close, Wheldon has a prominent place in the conference statistical leaders. The freshman is second in the conference in both saves (43) and saves per game (6.14).
Up Next
The team will look to shake off the recent slump and begin the Mid-American Conference season on a winning note. The Friday-Sunday combination will see the Bulls traveling to Bowling Green for a 4:00 pm kickoff before traveling down Rt. 75 to take on the Miami of Ohio Redhawks Sunday at 1:00 pm.
