Cats take down SEMO in electrifying contest
September 16, 2016
UK Women’s soccer hosted undefeated Southeast Missouri for a match at the Bell Soccer Complex Wednesday night.
Both teams refused to let down until the final whistle.
The first goal of the game was scored by Kentucky’s Kaitlin Miller with 12 minutes left in the first half after a foul was called against Southeast Missouri that resulted in a goal from a penalty kick for the Cats.
The Cats continued to create chances and came close to scoring several times but couldn’t get the ball past Redhawks goalie Kindra Lierz.
Soon into the second half Redhawks forward, Esmeral Gonzales sliced through Cats defense to beat numerous defenders and scored after taking the goalie on and it was 1-1.
The Cats and the undefeated Redhawks were very evenly matched, battling it out in the second half with high intensity.
Immediately the Cats answered with a goal by senior Jade Klump who took a beautiful long shot outside the 18, and the Cats were back in front.
“I was very excited to finally put one away for the team. It was important to remain focused and try to finish the game with a lead. It was a very good battle, they were a great team and it was great to come out with a win,” Klump said.
SEMO’s Angie Mann scored off a corner kick by Jasmin Hilliard for the Redhawks second goal to tie the game at 2.
Almost immediately after, UK’s Tanya Samarzich finished a header assisted by Marissa Bosco to give the Cats the lead once again.
“Bosco has been serving in good balls to us in the middle, she did that a lot last game and I give a lot of credit to her tonight,” Samarzich said.
This game was intense and fast affair, and it was truly a battle at the Bell against Southeast Missouri in which the Cats came out on top.
Following their 3-2 victory, UK next opponent is Alabama on Sunday September 18 at 5:00 p.m.