University of Louisville
NC STATE
Women's Soccer Defeats NC State 1-0
October 09, 2014 | Women's Soccer
Chinyelu Asher's goal in the 70th minute of play sealed the 1-0 victory for the University of Louisville women's soccer team over NC State on Thursday evening at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium.
"We're certainly happy to get three points in the best conference in the country against a very good NC State team," head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes said. "Despite their record, they're very, very capable. So we're happy to get three points."
Despite a scoreless tie at the half, Louisville (5-5-2, 2-1-2) dominated possession over visiting NC State (2-9-2, 0-5-0). Freshman Kaela Dickerman started out the attack when her shot hit off the left post in the 20th minute of play. Dickerman's next shot just three minutes later soared high over the goal, but the Cardinals' offensive pressure continued to mount throughout the half.
The Cardinals finished the half with a 4-1 shot advantage, while also leading in corner kicks 4-1. Louisville goalkeeper Paige Brown was not tested, while NC State's Mackenzie Stelljes finished the half with two saves.
NC State came out strong in the second half, recording two shots in the first five minutes of play, however the Cardinals' defense was able to hold the Wolfpack without a shot on goal.
After constant pressure from the Louisville offense, the Cardinals finally broke through when Asher scored off of a cross from freshman.Isabella Habuda It was her first goal of the season, as she headed the ball inside of the left post to put Louisville up 1-0 with 20:56 remaining in the game. Asher's goal would be all the Cardinals needed, as Louisville went on to record its second consecutive shutout and fourth of the season.
"I thought we did a good job keeping possession of the ball in the first half, but we really didn't create any great chances in the final third," Ferguson-Dayes explained. "In the second half, we were much better in the final third, so we still continued to keep possession through the back court and the middle third but then also added another layer of being a little bit more dynamic and getting quality chances, which allowed us the opportunity to get the goal."
Louisville finished the match with a 10-4 shot advantage, including a 4-0 shot on goal advantage. The Cardinals also led in corners 10-4. Brown recorded the shutout in goal, while Stelljes finished with four saves.
The Cardinals will continue a four game home stand on Sunday, Oct. 12 when they host Boston College in Lynn Stadium at 1:00 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPN3 and Fox Sports South.
Single Game, Season Tickets on Sale
Single game tickets for each of the Cardinals' 10 regular season matches at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium this fall are currently on sale and can be purchased in person through the UofL Ticket Office at Gate 2 of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. More information on Louisville women's soccer single game tickets is available online here or by calling (502) GO-CARDS.
Season tickets, which will provide admission to both women's and men's regular season matches, remain on sale through the UofL Ticket Office for $70 each. Visit GoCards.com to learn more about 2014 Louisville soccer season tickets. Group tickets for all Louisville matches can be requested by completing the group ticket application online here or by calling (502) 852-0120. Groups consist of 10 or more and tickets start at $4.
FOLLOWING THE CARDINALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow Louisville women's soccer on Twitter (@ulwomenssoccer) at www.twitter.com/ulwomenssoccer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ulwomenssoccer .
