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TWU
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Life > Athletics > Soccer > 09/09/06
PIONEERS AVOID SHUTOUT TO NEBRASKA-OMAHA
OMAHA , Neb. – Texas Woman 's University lost, 3-1, to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the defending Division II women 's soccer national champions, in non-conference action Saturday afternoon. It was the first meeting ever between these two squads.
"Our team played very hard. Everybody played well," TWU head coach Fleur Benatar said. "They scored in the first 12 minutes and then we settled down. UNO definitely attacks well. But our players broke up quite a few plays. The game went back and forth; we had some good sequences and so did they. We were definitely involved and UNO had to earn their goals."
Beth McGill opened the scoring for the Mavericks (6-0) at 11:55 on an unassisted direct kick to the near post. Neither team could connect for the remainder of the first half and the score was 1-0 at intermission.
At 67:27, Amanda Iwansky scored on a header to give UNO a 2-0 advantage. Then McGill scored her second goal of the game and her eighth of the year at the 75:33 mark to put the Mavericks up, 3-0.
The Pioneers (2-3-1) avoided the shutout less than five minutes later. Senior Emily Meinen dribbled down the right side and sent in a cross near the top of the 18-yard box. A Maverick defender deflected the ball and junior Christine Hornisher sent it low and hard to the right post at 80:28. It was only the second goal UNO has given up all season.
"Everyone on this team stepped up and worked together today," Hornisher said. "We were under pressure because they are very aggressive offensively. I think the result shows a lot about our team. It was an amazing experience coming up here to play the national champs. We can hang with the best."
The Mavericks were averaging 4.4 goals per game coming in to today 's contest. They had outscored their opponents, 22-1.
UNO outshot TWU 25 to five as sophomore goalkeeper Aly Vincent recorded eight saves.
"Overall, our defense was outstanding," Benatar said. "Yes, they scored three goals but like I said, they had to work for each of them. Aly made some unbelievable saves, some really great saves. Theresa (Sanches) filled in the holes as sweeper in the back and broke down a lot of their offensive opportunities. I 'm pleased with how we played."
TWU returns to Denton for a string of three home games starting with Wednesday 's annual crosstown matchup with the University of North Texas at 7 p.m. at the Mean Green Village. The Pioneers will then host Harding at 4 p.m. on Friday followed by a Lone Star Conference game with Angelo State at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
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