Kansas Soccer Falls to Nebraska in Big 12 Opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Nebraska’s Brittany Timko scored a goal in the first minute and the Jayhawks were not able to answer, as the University of Kansas soccer team fell in its Big 12 opener to Nebraska, 1-0, on Friday at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex in front of 852 fans.

Just 57 seconds into the match, Timko, the Big 12’s leading scorer, was able to shake loose from the Kansas defense and unleash a shot that eluded Kansas goalkeeper Meghan Miller. The goal was only the third tally allowed by the Jayhawk defense this season.

Beyond the first period of the match, Kansas dominated, holding a 16-7 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 mark in the second half. Sophomore Nicole Cauzillo led the team with five shots, while junior forward Caroline Smith chipped in with four shots.

Miller was forced to make only one save in net for the Jayhawks, while her counterpart, Nebraska’s Katie Wright made six saves and collected the shutout for the Cornhuskers.

“It was very frustrating because we made a lot of mental mistakes,” head coach Mark Francis said. “I thought we played well in the second half, but we didn’t bury our chances. We play in less than 48 hours, so hopefully we will bounce back.”

Kansas hosts defending Big 12 champion Colorado at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex on Sunday at 1 p.m.