KUTZTOWN, PA (September 10, 2010)-- The Kutztown University women's soccer team opened the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schedule with a 1-0 win over Mercyhurst College Friday afternoon at Keystone Field. (BOXSCORE)
Sophomore Stephanie Borland gave the Golden Bears the winning edge, scoring the team's only goal off of an assist from freshman Lily Taylor in the 83rd minute.
Kutztown (3-0 overall, 1-0 PSAC) is ranked 18th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Hendrickcars.com Division II Top 25 poll. Mercyhurst fell to 3-1 and 0-1.
With time ticking off the clock in the second half, the Golden Bears continued to pressure the Lakers. While the Golden Bears continued to look for opportunities to score, the Lakers defense was stubborn as they made plays to keep the game even.
However, Kutztown was able to cause some commotion in its offensive end of the field. As the ball moved up the field and with both teams in a frenzy; Taylor gained possession of the ball. She made a tight kick that hit off the top post of the goal. Fortunately, Borland was right there to smash the ball in for the Golden Bears only goal.
“I'm really happy with how the game went,” Borland said. “Lilly had a really nice shot and I was there to finish it.”
Three games into the season Borland has shown potential by already scoring three goals. She scored two goals against Concord in last week's opener. Newcomer Taylor also displayed her desire to win in today's game by playing with tremendous energy and passion.
“I think we played a great game,” Taylor said. “We pulled it out, scored, and held on to it. As a freshman, I have a lot of role models on the team to look up to. I just want to keep on improving and making them proud.”
The Golden Bears posted their second shutout of the season behind a solid defensive effort. Sophomore goalie Alyssa Hackelberg recorded five saves.
“This is a truly great result and a perfect start to the PSAC schedule,” Kutztown head coach Erik Burstein said. “We really showed great character by finding the goal we needed and seeing the game out. The biggest positive on the day was that we were able to create a number of quality chances against a very good team. Although I felt we could have hit the back of the net a couple of times, we defended well and the lone goal stood up.”
Kutztown showed a team effort from all 22 players today proving strength in numbers.
“I am thrilled with the contribution made by the players off the bench,” Burstein said. “All year we have been talking about the great depth in our team, and today that depth was the key to the result. I am very proud of this team.”
The Golden Bears will try to remain unbeaten as they host Gannon University tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Keystone Field.
