Men's Soccer Spring Season Update
April 14, 2009 | Men's Soccer
April 14, 2009
Louisville, Ky. - The Cardinals opened up the spring season with an away match against the Columbus Crew. On a windy and rainy afternoon in Columbus, the Cards took on the 2008 MLS Champions. It was a very competitive match with the Crew just edging Louisville 1-0. The Cardinals created numerous scoring opportunities only to be thwarted by the Crew goalkeeper. It was a good start to the spring season.
Last Saturday the Cardinals defeated UAB 2-0. Freddie Braun opened the scoring midway through the first half with a well-struck shot from the top of the box. The Cardinal defense was rarely tested by the UAB attack throughout the match. The Cards' defensive pressure was rewarded in the second half when Braun intercepted a pass in the attacking half and sent a low cross to transfer Josh Lipka who had the easy job of tapping home from close range.
The Cards then hosted rival Indiana University last Thursday. The match started slow for Louisville, absorbing early Hoosier pressure. The Cardinal defense was strong, limiting any real clear attempts on goal. The attack struggled early to create the passing rhythm the Cards are known for. Midway through the first half, pressure by the Cards' forwards was not handled well by the IU defenders as they turned the ball over for a throw. A quick throw in the Hoosier half to the on rushing Braun sent him clear and his low cross found Colin Rolfe, who turned and finished with great skill.
The opening goal transformed the game for Louisville, as the team began to press Indian all over the field creating numerous turnovers and opportunities for the Cards. Kenney Walker went close, with the goalkeeper getting the slightest touch to deflect his shot for a corner. This pressure led to the second goal as the Cards' earned a corner kick and a fortunate deflection off an IU defender from a Braun header, the ball found its way into the back of the net.
The team went into the half time break up two goals but the overall play was not as good as the players would have liked. The second 45 minutes was much better in terms of connecting passes and creating chances but the Cards could not find the back of the net again. They went close on more than one occasion, hitting the post, clearances off the goal line, and saves by the goalkeeper. All this good attacking play came off of the outstanding defensive pressure by the entire team
The Cards finish off the 2009 spring season with two tough road games. Perennial NAIA power Lindsey Wilson will host on Wednesday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m. Then Sunday, April 19, the Cards square off with the Chicago Fire of the MLS to wrap up the spring season.
