Conference Play Up Next for Jayhawk Soccer
Sept. 22, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. – After compiling an 8-1 record and climbing to No. 8 in the country, the University of Kansas soccer team will begin Big 12 conference play this week when it hosts the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Friday, at 5 p.m. and the defending Big 12 Champion Colorado Buffaloes, Sunday, at 1 p.m in matches at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex on the KU campus.
This season, Kansas has received stellar play from senior goalkeeper Meghan Miller who leads the Big 12 in every statistical category for a goalkeeper, including goals against average (0.22), saves (44), save percentage (.957) and shutouts (7). A balanced offensive attack has been led by junior Caroline Smith and sophomore Nicole Cauzillo, who each lead the team with eight points. Six different Jayhawks have tallied game-winning goals this season. Through nine games, KU has outscored its opponents 15-2.
The Cornhuskers began the season ranked No. 25 in the nation in the NSCAA/Adidas poll and have since posted a 6-3 record. Nebraska played its first eight games this season at the Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln, Neb., before defeating Crieghton, 3-2, on the road
Sophomore Brittany Timko enters the contest as the Big 12 leader in points (25), goals (8) and assists (9) and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season earlier this week. The Huskers have outscored their opponents 21-7 this season. In goal, sophomore goalkeeper Katie Wright has posted a 5-3 record with a 0.88 goal against average and a .811 save percentage.
Nebraska holds an 8-1-1 edge in the all-time series, but the Jayhawks netted their first-ever win over the Huskers in their last meeting, a 1-0 KU victory in Lincoln on Oct. 19, 2003.
The 2003 Big 12 Champion Colorado Buffaloes enter this weekend with a 6-1-1 overall mark. The all-time series between Colorado and Kansas is tied at 4-4 after Colorado defeated KU 2-1 in Boulder last season. The Buffs have played well of late, winning five consecutive matches heading into this weekend. CU plays Iowa State, Friday, before facing KU on Sunday.
Preseason All-Big 12 pick Fran Munnelly leads the team with 10 points (four goals, two assists) this season and Jessica Keller leads the team in the net with a 5-1-1 record with a 0.48 goal against average and an .875 save percentage.
Live stats during the game and complete coverage following the matches will be available on the official site of Kansas athletics, www.kuathletics.com.
