The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Colorado
No. 12 Soccer secures No. 2-seed in conference championship with 4-1 win over Colorado
11.02.2007 | Soccer
AUSTIN, Texas -- The No. 12 Longhorns' soccer team clinched the No. 2 spot in the Big 12 Soccer Tournament with a 4-1 win over Colorado on Friday, Nov. 2.
The Longhorns, under ninth-year head coach Chris Petrucelli, ended the regular season with a 13-3-3 overall record and 6-2-2 in the Big 12 standings.
The win by Texas coupled with a loss by Missouri earlier in the day gave UT the second seeding heading into the conference tournament. With the loss, Colorado (9-7-3, 5-5-0 Big 12) clinches the No. 7 spot and will face Texas in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio.
Three seniors netted goals on "Senior Night" at Mike A. Myers Stadium, as NSCAA All-American forward Kelsey Carpenter, 2004 Soccer America Freshman All-American midfielder Caitlin Kennedy and 2007 team tri-captain Greta Carter each found the back of the net against the CU defense.
After a goal in the third minute by Colorado junior forward Gianna DeSaverio, the Longhorns quickly tied the match at 8:45 with a score by Kennedy (Euless, Texas). Junior Kasey Moore (Mission Viejo, Calif.) passed inside to Kennedy, who shot from inside the six-yard box.
Freshman forward Niki Arlitt (Houston, Texas) extended the lead with her team-leading 10th goal of the season at 26:06. She connected with Carpenter (Allen, Texas), who collected her fifth assist this year.
After the half, Carter (Arlington, Texas) put in her first career goal at 63:12. A hard foul by Missouri set up a free kick taken by junior midfielder Courtney Gaines. Gaines put the ball inside a crowded six-yard box. After the Colorado defense cleared, Carter stopped it and fired from 10-yards out for the score.
Carpenter added a fourth goal in the 80th minute of the match, as she put away a pass from redshirt sophomore Stephanie Gibson (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada).
Texas junior goalkeeper Dianna Pfenninger (Sugar Land, Texas) registered four saves and allowed one goal in 90 minutes of action.
Her counterpart, CU junior netminder Kirstin Radlinski was credited with four goals allowed and two saves in 79:40. Sophomore Kara Linder relieved her for the remaining 10:20 but tallied zero goals and saves.
STATS (UT-CU): Shots 14-9, Corner Kicks 1-2, Fouls 9-9
POSTGAME QUOTES
UT HEAD COACH Chris Petrucelli
On scoring eight goals in the last two matches: There are a couple of factors. One is that Caitlin is healthier and she has the ability as a playmaker. It just took some time for her, Niki and Kelsey to get their chemistry right. It takes time to get your attack going and fortunately we have that right now.
On the play of the seniors: They have had a long list of accomplishments. They have really put our program on the map and they are great people to work with [through the years]. They were very good tonight. I couldn't have a better send-off for them.
On securing the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament: The Big 12 Tournament is hard no matter where you are seeded and there are going to be some tough games. I guess if we didn't finish first in the conference, we'll take second and be happy about it. Finishing second in the Big 12 is a nice accomplishment for our team when you talk about one of the best conferences in the country.
SENIOR FORWARD Kelsey Carpenter
On the win over Colorado: Colorado has a reputation of being a quality team every year. I've had the privilege of playing with some of those girls through national and club teams. It was huge to get the win; it shows the kind of talent we have on our team.
On her scoring goals in the last two matches: For me personally, it's huge. I've had a little drought but coming back and scoring those goals was exciting. But it just solidifies the fact that we are a great offensive team and we can score goals when it counts.
On the win providing momentum heading into the Big 12 Tournament: We have a great momentum. When you score eight goals in two games, it's awesome. They came against two quality teams. I think whoever we are seeded against in the tournament will be a challenge as none of the games in the Big 12 are easy. We are just excited to play at least one more game.
