WOMEN'S SOCCER OPENS SEASON WITH 1-0 VICTORY OVER BUCKNELL

PHILADELPHIA -- In the second game of the 2006 Owl Eyes Classic, the Temple women's soccer team began their 2006 season on the right foot Friday afternoon with a 1-0 shutout victory over Bucknell at the Ambler Sports Complex. Sophomore forward Wendy Halina's header at the 53:42 minute mark was the match's lone tally.

As Friday's first half unfolded, both squads attacked the offensive zone with caution hoping the other would make the game's first costly mistake. Temple's five shots through the first 45 minutes were highlighted by two Halina strikes that sailed wide and a head-ball that cleared the top cross-bar. Bucknell had their opportunities but could only muster 2 two shots as a result of several attacks offset by fouls.

The game remained a scoreless tie early in the first half until junior defender Kersha Walker's cross from the right box found Halina at the left post with the Bison goalkeeper Katie Dry out of position. A late Bucknell offensive surge was resisted by a solid Temple team-defense led by sophomore sweeper Cori Gallagher. Despite facing 19 second-half shots from the visitors, the Owls escaped with an important early-season victory.

Senior goalkeeper Liz Tarasevich played brilliantly between the posts. On several occasions, Tarasevich out-jumped a host of potential Bucknell goal scorers en route to posting 13 saves.

As Tarasevich's counter-part, Dry's sprawling save in the first half held the match at a stalemate and was one of her six on the afternoon.

In game one of the 2006 Owl Eyes Classic, played at the Ambler Sports Complex, Pittsburgh sophomore forward Meta Haley's goal just over five minutes into overtime downed Central Arkansas, 2-1.

The Owls return to the field Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. against Pittsburgh. Bucknell and Central Arkansas will kick-off day two of the Classic at 11:00 a.m.

Temple University Athletics

WOMEN'S SOCCER OPENS SEASON WITH 1-0 VICTORY OVER BUCKNELL

Related News

Related Videos