CINCINNATI – The Northern Kentucky women's soccer team fell, 4-0, after a late onslaught to end their nonconference slate against cross-river opponent Xavier University on Thursday evening.
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"Congratulations to Nate and the entire Xavier team. They have an excellent team with some special players and they were difference makers tonight," said head coach
Bob Sheehan. "We put our team in these kinds of environments to prepare for the Horizon League, and this has certainly done that. Looking at the bigger picture the Horizon League season starts next Friday, and we'll learn from this experience and this opportunity."
BETWEEN THE POSTS
- Mimi Stines faced 22 shots, had nine saves and allowed XU's four goals.
- Sarah Cady made her first appearance at goal this season, logging four minutes.
MATCH SUMMARY
- NKU was limited offensively in the first half. A miscue by the Musketeers almost led to an opportunity for Shawna Zaken four minutes in, but was corralled by XU's Toni Bizzarro.
- XU controlled the ball in the offensive third, taking 10 shots and fielding seven corners in the opening period.
- Xavier came out firing to start the second half and took a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by Samantha Dewey.
- The Norse were held to only one shot in the match, which didn't come until the 78th minute by Kailey Ivins.
- The flood gates opened in the final ten minutes as the Musketeers converted three goals in a span of three and a half minutes.
NORSE NOTES
- NKU has allowed 15+ shots in back-to-back games.
- Xavier is a tough opponent for the Norse to face in preparation for Horizon League play as the Musketeers are now 5-1-1 on the season. They are picked to finish fourth in the Big East. The Norse have taken on multiple top-tier opponents to prepare for the upcoming Horizon League slate.
UP NEXT
- The Norse will open up Horizon League play on the road, taking on IUPUI at 11 a.m. next Friday, September 20, in Indianapolis.
