The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Cal State Northridge
Soccer defeats Cal State Northridge, 5-1, for third-straight win
08.28.2011 | Soccer
Aug. 28, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas - The University of Texas Soccer team won its third consecutive match with a 5-1 victory against Cal State Northridge on Sunday afternoon at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
The Longhorns have now scored three or more goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since September of the 2006 season.
UT secured its first goal just 12 minutes into play. Senior forward Kylie Doniak provided a crossover assist that allowed senior forward Taylor Knaack to high kick the ball into the right side of the net.
With 11 minutes left in the first half, freshman forward Allison Smith took the corner kick and placed it perfectly for senior defender Lucy Keith to head the ball straight inside the right post, which gave UT a 2-0 advantage.
Just two minutes out of halftime, both the Longhorns and the Matadors scored within 20 seconds of each other. Doniak attacked the Matadors and launched a ball from 25 yards out into the upper left corner. But the Matadors came right back with a goal by junior forward Melissa Fernandez in the lower right corner of the box.
Two minutes after Fernandez scored the Matadors' first goal of the season, the Longhorns answered back. Knaack gave Doniak a perfect pass that allowed Doniak to head the ball straight into the left corner of the goal.
Already holding a 4-1 lead over the Matadors, the Longhorns secured the win with one more goal. With the help of sophomore forward Gabby Zarnegar, who saved the ball from going out of bounds, and junior forward Vanessa Ibewuike's ricochet header, sophomore midfielder Lexi Harris was able to strike the ball into the right-hand side of the goal with 26 minutes left in the second half.
The Longhorns return to action on Friday, Sept. 2 with a home contest against UTSA at 7 p.m.
Head Coach Chris Petrucelli
On the early goal of the game: Well Kylie actually did the work. She won the ball and made a great play to Taylor. It was a great effort by Kylie and a great finish by Taylor.
On the impressive offense: Well I think we've just been working really hard. We've spent some time working of free kicks and corner kicks, and that is showing. Everything we're doing now is on the attacking side.
On winning today on short rest: Well it gives us confidence. First of all, winning on Friday gives you the confidence to know that you can go on the road and win. Sundays can be hard to handle because of the quick turn around. But knowing that you can handle everything gives you great confidence.
Senior Forward Taylor Knaack
On the early goal: Yeah Kylie played a great ball to me. She worked really hard to make that goal happen. It was a great battle there, and I was just right there to make the finish.
On the team's ability to score goals: It's given us a lot of confidence. I think we've scored 11 goals in three games. We're definitely a lot more confident. We know that we can score goals.
On playing in the heat: It was so hot. It was about 117 degrees on the field. It was definitely a battle, but we got through it.
Sophomore Midfielder Lexi Harris
On the team's performance lately: Well we have six forwards that we're able to interchange. That gives us really high energy up front which helps us significantly. When you have opportunities you have to take advantage of them.
On the extra effort: Well the extra effort is what keeps us in the game. Gabby kept a ball in play in the second half that led to a goal for us. We have to make sure that we take advantage of every chance we get. It allows us to create opportunities.
On playing this game on short rest: Well the win in Georgia was exciting. Coming back to Texas we knew it was going to be really hot. We had to mentally prepare for that. You can't change the weather. It's just something you have to prepare yourself for.
Senior Forward Kylie Doniak
On her two-goal performance: I did have a good game, but it was my teammates that got me the ball. I was just happy to be in the right position to make a play. It felt good for us to be able to capitalize on the hard work.
On the impressive offense: Well first off we're really close. We have great team chemistry and know where each other is going on the field. We're just giving it our all. It's been a good ride so far.
On her first goal: Well I've just wanted to shoot the ball. It sounds crazy, but I've been waiting for that opportunity. When I saw the chance I took it, and it went my way.
