University of Louisville
BUTLER
Cards Blank Bulldogs in Opener
August 26, 2005 | Women's Soccer
Aug. 26, 2005
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LOUISVILLE, KY - Freshman Shannon Smyth picked up a goal and an assist, as the University of Louisville women's soccer team exploded for two first-half goals in a five-minute span, and a stingy defense made it stand as the Cards won its season opener over Butler 2-0 Friday at Cardinal Park.
"It is nice to open the season with a win," said U of L Head Coach Karen Ferguson.
" I thought we played a great first half, but in the second half Butler made some nice adjustments and we weren't as sharp," Ferguson continued.
Smyth hustled to a loose ball, beating Butler keeper Kirby Zwickel and keeping the ball alive for Lauren Podvin, who buried her first goal of the season to give the Cards a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
A little under five minutes later, Smyth notched her first career goal on a beautiful cross from junior Jamie Craft, giving the Cards a 2-0 advantage. Craft worked her way in on the right side, beating her defender and drawing the keeper to her before sliding a perfect touch to Smyth who was alone out front.
"I took care of the easy part, while Jamie did all of the work," Smyth said.
"In the two exhibitions we understood what our strengths and weaknesses were and we have worked very hard to get to this point," Smyth finished.
The teams played through a brief downpour about 30 minutes into the match, and light rain continued through the match.
Louisville (1-0-0) outshot the Bulldogs (0-1-0) 14-6 for the match, holding an 8-3 edge in the first half.
Podvin paced the Cards with five shots, while Craft had three. Smyth and Monique Gjini each added two shots, while Erica Robinson and Heather Shreffler had one apiece.
Freshman keeper Deana Waintraub made three saves in her collegiate debut, earning her first shutout, while Zwickel took the loss, making four saves on the evening.
The Cards are now 4-2 in season openers under Ferguson.
Louisville will next host Miami, in what will be the RedHawks season opener on Sunday at Cardinal Park. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET and admission is free.
