Women’s Soccer: Elon Battles Cincinnati to 1-1 Draw

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s soccer team opened its 2012 season on Friday night, August 17, with a 1-1 draw versus the Cincinnati Bearcats at Rudd Field.

After a UC goal in the 12th minute, Elon sophomore forward Marissa Russo hit the equalizer in the 48th minute after blasting a shot under a diving Kristina Utley for the score.

Elon nearly took the lead in the final 10 minutes of regulation on a pair of great strikes by Nicole Dennion and Chelsey Stark, but just missed and the game went to extra time.

Catherine Brinkman, Elon’s leading scorer a year ago, played in goal for the first time in her career in the draw. Brinkman registered three saves in 120 minutes between the posts.

Elon and UC both move to 0-0-1 with the draw.

“It was a well-fought game on both sides and I’m proud of our team for battling through a lot of injuries and adversity tonight,” said Elon head coach Chris Neal. “We had our leading scorer Catherine Brinkman play goalie tonight and she didn’t hesitate one bit. I’m extremely proud of the way she managed the game and the way our team responded after giving up an early goal.”

The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute after Laura Rose took advantage of a nearly empty net and ripped a shot 20 yards away after Brinkman ran up to challenge.

But the Phoenix battled back early in the second half after Russo blasted a shot by UC’s diving keeper, Kristina Utley, for the score in the 48th minute. Rookie Samantha Burch earned the assist for Elon.

Elon nearly took the lead in the waning moments of regulation, as Dennion’s shot was snagged by a diving Utley to prevent the score in the 82nd minute. Three minutes later, Stark let loose on a shot near the right post, but just missed wide.

Elon held possession for most of overtime, but neither squad could score the golden goal.

The Phoenix held a 10-9 advantage in shots and a 7-1 edge in corners.

A match with the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils in Durham, N.C., awaits the Phoenix on Sunday, August 19, at 6 p.m.