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University at Buffalo
Cleveland St.
Bulls Stingy Defense Earns A 0-0 Draw In Exhibition Opener
8/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CLEVELAND, OH – What turned out to be a perfect afternoon for an exhibition soccer match despite weather reports, the University at Buffalo women's soccer team opened up their season with a 0-0 draw at Cleveland State on Tuesday.
"I was very pleased with the team performance today," said first year head coach Shawn Burke. "We have been working on defensive shape for the first six days of camp and the girls were fantastic with that. Without spending much time on attacking so far, the girls still created chances and corners."
Under the direction of Burke, the Bulls came out strong in the opening 45 minutes as they dominated most of the play during the half. Sustaining most of the pressure, the Bulls recorded five corners in a row but were unsuccessful on breaking through with a goal in the first half.
In the 30th minute, freshman goalkeeper Laura Dougall made the save of the game for UB as she made a leaping effort to force the ball off the cross bar and the Bulls were able to clear it away.
The newly formed backline of Alexandra Lambert, Sophie Therien, Jackie Hall and Dana Lytle had a great game for the Bulls as they allowed only one shot on goal for the contest.
Offensively, newcomer Julia Benati looked dangerous with the ball all afternoon as she created chances all over the field for the likes of Katie Roberts and Celina Carrero.
"A lot of players played well and our freshman did a great job in their collegiate debut."
The Bulls will have their second exhibition match of the season on Sunday, Aug. 17 at All-High Stadium behind Bennett High School in Buffalo at 2:00 pm.
