The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Loyola Chicago
Soccer rallies to defeat Loyola University Chicago, 2-1
10.09.2009 | Soccer
Oct. 9, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas soccer team used goals from Kirsten Birkhold and Leah Payne to defeat Loyola University Chicago 2-1 on Friday night out at Mike A. Myers Stadium. With the win, Texas extends its unbeaten streak to five matches and is now 6-5-2 on the season. Loyola -Chicago moves to 3-10-2.
The Longhorns pulled off their second come-from-behind victory in as many outings as Loyola went up 1-0 in the fifth minute. Rambler Laura Trevillian got the play started when she sent a pass to Ashley Funk from the left side of the field. Funk then one-touched the ball across the box to Staton who took two dribbles before sending her shot into the lower left corner of the net.
Texas netted the equalizer in the 30th minute. Keeper Alexa Gaul cleared the ball to the center of the pitch where sophomore Kylie Doniak headed it up to Birkhold. The junior attacked the goal straight on and after bringing Loyola keeper Katie Groesch out of the net, scored her second goal of the season.
Payne then scored the gamewinner in the 52nd minute off a Birkhold corner kick. The sophomore defender connected on a rebounded shot in the Rambler box to give Texas the 2-1 win. It was the Payne's second career goal while Birkhold set a career game-high with three points (1 goal, 1 assist).
The Longhorns return to the pitch on Sunday, Oct. 11 when they travel to Oklahoma State for a 1 p.m. Central match.
POST MATCH NOTES
-Texas moves to 6-5-2 on the season and extend its unbeaten streak to five matches.
-The Longhorns tied their season high with two goals...sixth time UT has netted two in a match.
-Sophomore Leah Payne and Kirsten Birkhold both netted their second goals of the season. Six Longhorns have now scored more than one goal this season.
-Birkhold recorded a career-high three points in the match.
POST MATCH QUOTES
Sophomore Leah Payne
On the game overall: In the first half we just weren't prepared to play. In the second half we came back ready, and that intensity made the difference in controlling the game.
On taking on Oklahoma State's offense next week: We haven't watched their video yet, but I know they have an impressive front line. We really just need to keep playing like we are, continuing to mark and keeping a high intensity. If we do that we will be ok.
Head Coach Chris Petrucelli
On the difference in play in the second half: We had a chance to regroup and we really needed that. I think the players on the bench really deserve a lot of credit for that. When they started the second half, the brought the intensity we needed to win the game.
