Clifton, Hanley Hold Off SMU, 1-0

DALLAS, Texas – Freshman Kortney Clifton scored her third goal of the weekend, while junior goalkeeper Julie Hanley posted her second shutout of the season as 20th-ranked Kansas held off SMU, 1-0, in a non-conference soccer match played Sunday at Westcott Field.

The Jayhawks improve to 4-0, while SMU drops to 1-2-1 overall. This matches KU’s longest winning streak since the 2006 season, and longest to start a season since it won the first six matches of 2004.

KU scored the only goal of the afternoon when Clifton finished a Monica Dolinsky pass. Dolinsky weaved through defenders along the backline on the near side of the field and crossed a ball to Clifton, who directed it in from eight yards out at 25:47 of the first half. It was the freshman’s third goal of the weekend.

Kansas then held off a furious attack in the second half by the Mustangs.

In the 63rd minute, Geneva Magness was called for a hand ball in the box, and Carley Phillips was given a penalty kick. However, the SMU senior’s shot missed the net wide to the near side and the score remained 1-0.

SMU had another great chance off a corner kick, when Sarah Benchiaita headed a ball inside the post. However, the shot was blocked by Sarah Salazar. The ensuing rebound found Mustang forward Kim Peabody, but her shot sailed high of the net.

Hanley made three saves in the match to earn her second shutout of the season.

The Jayhawks outshot the Mustangs by a narrow 12-11 margin, and had a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Four players, including Clifton and Emily Cressy led the Kansas offense with two shots a piece. Cressy’s best chance came on a free kick in the 62nd minute, a bending ball that the SMU goalkeeper was able to come up with.

The Jayhawks will look to extend their winning streak with a non-conference match at Missouri State Friday at 7 p.m.