Box score
CINCINNATI – Taylor Dearbaugh's goal in the 60th minute lifted the Xavier University women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Northern Kentucky on Friday evening at the XU Soccer Complex.
Dearbaugh's game-winning shot came from 30 yards out. It hit the crossbar over NKU goalkeeper Tanner Ruberg's outstretched arms and bounced into the back of the goal.
Last season, the Musketeers defeated the Norse, 1-0, in overtime at the NKU Soccer Stadium on a goal by Margaret Woods. In that game, Dearbaugh was credited with an assist on the game-winning play when she sent a pass forward to Leslie Twehues, who advanced the ball to Woods.
The Norse pressured the Musketeer defense during the final 10 minutes of the match but could not score the equalizing goal. NKU's final opportunity to tie the game came when Casey McMillan's shot in the 89th minute was saved by Xavier goalkeeper Katie Markesbery.
Both teams had chances to score in the first half to take an early lead in the rain. McMillan gave the Norse the first opportunity of the night in the eighth minute but could not get the ball past Markesbery.
Xavier then threatened seven minutes later as the ball slipped through Ruberg's hands, but she was able to gain control of the ball and hold the game scoreless. In the 20th minute, Allison Ponzer's shot attempt hit the right post but was cleared by the Xavier defense.
Xavier finished with a 9-6 edge in shots, and NKU ended with a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks but could not take advantage of the opportunities. Ruberg made three saves on the night, and Markesbery added two to her season total.
Ponzer and McMillan led the Norse offense with two shot attempts each.
The Norse ended non-conference action 4-4-1 overall, while the Musketeers improved to 6-1-1 with the victory.
NKU opens Atlantic Sun Conference play at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Mercer before traveling to Kennesaw State two days later.
