5-7-2, 2-5-0MAC
Bowling Green
0-12-1, 0-6-1MAC
Women's Soccer Downs Bowling Green, 1-0
10/18/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team (5-7-2, 2-5-0 MAC) put together a dominating victory on Friday night in front of the home crowd, downing the visiting Bowling Green Falcons (0-12-1, 0-6-1 MAC) by the score of 1-0. The Bulls owned the 22-4 advantage in shots, including allowing zero shots in the second half.
"It's nice to get the monkey off our back," stated head coach Michael Thomas. "Frankly I think they've been playing some great soccer these past four games but the ball wasn't going our way. When things aren't going your way you just have to work through it and I think the girls have done a great job with staying together as a unit."
The game-winning goal came off the foot of the Bulls leading scorer, Karen McMahon, in the 54th minute of play. Missing an opportunity just seconds before, McMahon found herself alone in front of the Bowling Green net after a perfect pass from Jackie Hall and she put a perfect shot just inside the right goal post for her fourth goal on the year.
"Karen McMahon was very dangerous in the first half today," said Thomas. "We had a heartbreaking miss early in the second half before her goal and to come back and score and respond to that so quickly was great for our confidence."
Electing to take the wind in the opening half paid off early for the Bulls as they dominated play. Just two minutes into the contest, McMahon had her header carom off the post after a perfect cross off the foot of Sophie Therien.
Later in the opening half, Megan Giesen had a golden opportunity in front but her effort was saved by a lunging Lauren Cadel to preserve the scoreless game. Minutes later, Courtney Mann saw her blast from 15 yards out sail just over the cross bar.
The Bulls owned the 12-4 advantage in shots following 45 minutes of play.
Buffalo came out strong once again the second half as they produced the lone goal of the game just nine minutes into action. The Bulls defense did the rest in order to preserve the second conference victory of the season as Natalie Jurisevic, Courtney Gross, Kristin Markiewicz and Therien didn't allow the Falcons to attempt a shot on senior goalkeeper Ainsley Wheldon for the entire second half.
Six Bulls attempted at least two shots during the game, led by McMahon who attempted a game-high five with four being on goal. Giesen, Mann and Therien each recorded three shots on goal while Wheldon only needed to make one stop in her 20th career shutout.
Wheldon is now one shutout shy of tying the school record for shutouts in a career, which is currently held by Jaime Adams. Wheldon's 21 career victories also tie her for third on the school's all-time list.
The Bulls will return home on Sunday for their final regular season home contest of the season as they play host to Central Michigan. First kick is set for 12 pm at UB Stadium.
Team Stats
MCMAHON, Karen (4)
Assisted By: HALL, Jackie
Shot in the box just inside right post
54:54
