Huskers Fall to NCAA Champions, 2-0

Lincoln -- Despite playing without a single substitute and a lineup that consisted of six freshmen, the Nebraska soccer team opened the spring season with a 2-0 loss at defending national champion Florida on Sunday, Feb. 28.

The Huskers, who were missing five players, including second-team All-America defender Isabelle Morneau, because of injuries controlled action for much of the game against the Gators, outshooting Florida, 10-8. But Florida's Danielle Bass and Jill Stevens managed to get shots past Nebraska goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc for the victory.

Bass's goal came at 21:40 off an assist from Abby Warnbach for the game winner. Stevens added an insurance goal off an assist from Renne Reynolds at 72:20 to seal to win.

Despite the loss, Nebraska Coach John Walker said he was pleased with the Huskers' performance.

"I thought we competed at a high level, but they finished their chances and we didn't" Walker said. "We had a lot of good chances. We probably played a lot better than we played last year when we beat them down there, 5-4, but we just didn't get the goals and that's the way it goes sometimes. We actually played quite well."

The Huskers continue action in the spring season by traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Sunday, March 7, to take on Alabama at 11 a.m. central time.