October 23, 2005

KU Topples Texas, 2-1

LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Kansas senior Kimberly Karfonta broke a 1-1 tie with 3:16 remaining in the match to lead KU past the University of Texas, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. KU improves to 10-6-2 on the season and 5-3-1 in the Big 12. The Longhorns entered the match in first place in the Big 12 before falling to 9-7-1 overall and 6-4-0 in conference.

After a scoreless first half, Afton Sauer put KU up 1-0 with a goal in the 57th-minute. Jessica Bush placed a KU corner kick into the six-yard box. Caroline Smith leaped and got a head on the ball, deflecting it over to Sauer who knocked home her second goal of the season from short range.

Texas responded in the 71st-minute when Ashley Foster beat Julie Hanley one-on-one with a long shot from the left side of the box. Caitlin Kennedy was credited with the assist on Foster’s third goal of the season.

Caroline Smith set up the game-winner when she slipped a pass to Karfonta inside the box allowing the senior to shoot and score from 10-yards out. The goal was Karfonta’s third of the season, and second game-winning tally of her career. Smith recorded her second assist of the match and 22nd of her career.

“We are very excited about the victory,” commented head coach Mark Francis after guiding the KU soccer program to its first ever victory over the Longhorns. “The team played well, especially on defense.”

The Jayhawks out-shot the Longhorns, 20-10, including 12-4 in the second half. Hanley improved to 5-1-0 in goal for KU while recording five saves.

KU will conclude its regular season schedule against Missouri on Friday, Oct. 28. Kick off is set for 3 p.m. The Jayhawks will honor their five seniors before the match.

Game Notes: The Jayhawks tied a season high with 11 corner kicks … KU is now 1-9-1 all-time against Texas … The last four matches against the Longhorns have been decided by one goal … Each team subbed twice in the game … Karfonta recorded three shots, including the game-winner while playing 20 minutes off the bench.