Sept. 9, 2010
CORAL GABLES -
The University of Miami women’s soccer team will host the 2010 Hurricane Cup this Friday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 12 at Cobb Stadium, featuring West Virginia, North Dakota State and FAU.
The ‘Canes face the BIG EAST’s Mountaineers in its first contest, Friday at 7:30 p.m. after FAU and North Dakota State open the cup at 5 p.m.
“We are excited to be home and the energy in training has been great this week,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “We have been attacking minded teams participating in the Hurricane Cup, so it will be a fun event for fans to watch.”
Miami (3-2-1) has been led by the scoring attack of senior Brittney Steinbruch and sophomore Kate Howarth – each players scored three goals on the season.
Against Florida Gulf Coast on Aug. 31, Steinbruch became the program’s all-time leading scorer, netting Nos. 30 and 31 in the 3-1 victory. Last weekend in FGCU’s Embassy Suites Kick-Off Classic Steinbruch was named the classic MVP. Joining her on the all-classic team was Howarth, defender Brittney Macdonald and keeper Vikki Alonzo.
The Hurricanes offensive punch has proved to be potent so far this young season, scoring 13 goals in its first six matches from nine different players. Just a year ago, UM scored only 20 goals in 19 games.
With a 2-0 win over Kent State in her last contest, Alonzo recorded her second shutout of the season and the 19th of her career – extending her school record. So far this season, the Carrollton, Texas native has recorded an impressive 0.78 goals against average.
West Virginia heads into the weekend with a 2-2 record and is coming off a 2-1 victory over Central Michigan. Bri Rodriguez is the team’s leading scorer with a pair of goals and Kerri Butler shutout Bowling Green on Aug. 27 and sports a 1.46 goals against average.
North Dakota State is undefeated with a 2-0-2 record and are among the elite in the Summit League. They have battled to back-to-back ties with Iowa State and Creighton after opening the season with home wins over North Dakota and Green Bay. With two goals and an assist, Quin Ryan is the squads leading scorer with five points. Kalani Bertsch and Kathy Kelsey each have started two games in goal for the Bison and each has recorded a shutout.
Fellow South Florida team, FAU has struggled out of the gate, opening the season with an 0-4 record. However, Brittney Nash and Allyson Buerosse have each scored a pair of goals to lead the offense.
On Sunday, West Virginia will face-off against FAU at 11 a.m. with Miami closing out competition against North Dakota State at 1:30 p.m.
For the 2010 Hurricane Cup website, click here.
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