GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNCG women's soccer team used three-first half goals and its second consecutive shutout to cruise past Liberty University, 4-0, in non-conference women's soccer action from UNCG Soccer Stadium Tuesday night. The Spartans now lead the all-time series, 5-0, and have outscored the Flames, 29-0, in those matches.
"We have nothing, but respect for Liberty and their program," said head coach Eddie Radwanski. "Liberty made the NCAA Tournament last season. The best way to respect your opponent is to play hard from the opening whistle. I felt like we did that tonight."
The Spartans (2-0) jumped on the Flames just 10 minutes into the match. Jaime Ableman (So./Corvallis, OR) scored her first goal of the season. Cara Hammond (Fr./Howell, N.J.) streaked down the left side of the field and found the sophomore front-runner alone inside the box. Ableman buried it past a sprawling Natalie Mayer.
From that point on, the UNCG freshmen took control of the match. Amy Carnell (Fr./Lake Stevens, WA) scored a pair of goals, while Dacia Beachum (Fr./Raleigh, N.C.) added her first career goal. Hammond added a second assist. Jennifer Stillman (Fr./Randolph, N.J.), who started the match between the pipes, held Liberty scoreless in one half of action.
"Our young players have tremendous talent," said Radwanski. "It is such a good group and the continue to get better. The sky is the limit."
After the three first-half goals erased any hope of a Liberty comeback, UNCG continued its solid play in the back. The duo of Stillman and Angie Rudy (Sr./Doylestown, Pa.) registered the Spartans' second straight shutout. Rudy started the second-half and recorded five saves.
"We were pretty sound in the back and our keepers are rock solid," said Radwanski. "The team is able to play with tremendous confidence knowing they have Jennifer and Angie behind them."
UNCG had not opened a season with consecutive shutouts since 1995.
The Spartans return to action this Saturday night, Sept. 7, when Marshall travels to UNCG Soccer Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. The meeting is the first all-time between the two schools.
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