Kansas Takes Down Huskers, 1-0

LINCOLN, Neb. – Shannon McCabe’s goal in the second minute proved to be the game-winner as sophomore Julie Hanley tied a season-high with four saves to shut out Nebraska, 1-0 Sunday at the Nebraska Soccer Field.

KU improves to 7-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big 12, while the Huskers fall to 6-3-3 and 1-2-1 in Big 12 play.

“It was a great result for us, especially beating them in Nebraska,” KU head coach Mark Francis. “We were disappointed with our result on Friday, and this was a great way for the girls to bounce back.”

After being shut out on Friday, the Jayhawks wasted little time getting on the scoreboard Sunday.

McCabe recorded her second goal of the season just 1:01 into the match. The freshman forward blasted a loose ball off the near post and into the net from 20 yards out following a KU corner kick.

Freshman Monica Dolinsky started the play, connecting with sophomore Jessica Bush short on the corner kick. Bush returned the ball to Dolinsky, who fired a cross to the back of the box, where McCabe gathered the pass and scored.

The one-goal advantage stood up as Hanley controlled the box throughout the match. The sophomore keeper made four saves, her highest total since tallying four stops against Alabama on Sept. 8 this season.

The shutout was also Hanley’s fourth of the season. It was the first time that the Huskers have been blanked in 16 matches.

KU had an excellent chance to stretch its lead just in front of halftime, however Sara Rogers’ open shot sailed high of the goal off another Jayhawk corner kick. Rogers was one of seven KU athletes to collect a shot in the match.

Juniors Kristin Graves and Emily Strinden led the way with two shots a piece. NU held a slight 15-9 advantage in shots and a 7-5 lead in corner kicks.

The win was the Jayhawks’ second all-time against NU. However, dating back to 2003, KU is 2-2-1 against the Huskers.

The team will return home Friday to face No. 11 Texas at 4 p.m.