KU Soccer Falls to No. 2 Oklahoma State in Conference Opener
Postgame Videos: Coach Francis | Fletcher
STILLWATER, Okla. – Junior Whitney Berry scored in the 77th minute but was the only Jayhawk to find the back of the net as the University of Kansas soccer team fell 5-1 at No. 2 Oklahoma State Friday night in front of a crowd of 1,388 in both team’s Big 12 Conference opener.
With the loss, KU fell to 6-4 overall. The Cowgirls remained undefeated at 12-0.
Trailing just 1-0 at the half, OSU rallied for four goals in the final 45 minutes, while KU was only able to answer with one.
The Cowgirls, who have allowed four goals all season, limited the Jayhawks’ offensive opportunities. KU was able to turn up the pressure in the final 15 minutes however, getting five quality chances in that span, including Berry’s attempt in the 77th minute that found the back of the net.
Freshman Jamie Fletcher started the play when she sent a pass to senior Kortney Clifton in the left corner. Clifton couldn’t get a shot off so she pulled the ball back and passed across the goal mouth where a charging Berry buried a shot low in the left corner, her third score of the season.
Berry led KU with three shots. Sophomore Amy Grow and freshman Liana Salazar added two each while the Jayhawks combined for 10 total attempts in the game, including eight in the second half. OSU managed 23 shots in the contest with four different Cowgirls collecting goals.
Oklahoma State scored its first two goals off corner kicks. The first came in the 13th minute when Carson Michalowski headed the ball at the goal. Her shot was blocked but Sarah Brown was there to get a foot on the rebound just two yards away from the goal. Michalowski had another header in the 46th minute but this time she was successful as she put the Cowgirls up 2-0 just after halftime.
During the 63rd minute, Oklahoma State struck again as Taylor Mathews’ shot from 30 yards out found the opposite corner on the right side. OSU then added two more insurance goals in the final five minutes of the game. Megan Marchesano let go of a shot from about 20 yards out high and out of reach of junior goalkeeper Kat Liebetrau in the 85th minute. Then, with about a minute to play, Abby Akin’s shot hit the right post and ricocheted into the goal to give OSU a final score of 5-1.
The Jayhawks return home to the friendly confines of the Jayhawk Soccer Complex to host Oral Roberts in a non-conference match on Sunday, Sept. 25. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and is camper reunion day. All youth that participated in one of KU’s 2011 summer camps will be admitted for free. In addition to $1 day for select concession items, the Jayhawks will also be signing autographs after the contest.
