Huskers Roll to 5-0 victory over Southwest Missouri State

Lincoln - The fifth-ranked Nebraska soccer team scored four first-half goals and recorded its third straight shutout, defeating Southwest Missouri State, 5-0, Tuesday evening at the Abbott Sports Complex. The Huskers controlled the match from the start, outshooting the Lady Bears 23-0 in the first half, as NU senior goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc extended her scoreless streak to 196:30 this season.

"Anytime you have 23 shots in a half, you're doing some decent things," Nebraska Head Coach John Walker said. "I was very pleased with the way we created a lot of chances."

The Huskers, who out-cornered the Lady Bears 16-1, improved to 3-0-0 on the season, while Southwest Missouri State fell to 1-1-0. NU's defense has now allowed just six shots on goal through its first three games.

Nebraska forward Kelly Rheem got the Huskers started at 17:45 with her second goal of the season. The junior added an assist later in the half to lead NU with three points in the winning effort.

Sophomore forward Christine Latham followed with a goal at 19:32, becoming the Big 12 Conference season leader in goals. Latham was issued a red card at 45:56, leaving the Huskers with 10 players for the majority of the second half. The Calgary, Alberta, native must also sit out the Huskers' next game against Drury on Sunday.

Nebraska padded its lead with first-half goals from junior midfielder Becky Preston (23:25) and freshman forward Kelly Haxton, who scored her first collegiate goal at 38:34. In the second half, senior defender Breanna Boyd added a goal at 78:18 for the final margin.

The Huskers will return to action Sunday in a 7 p.m. contest with Drury at the Abbott Sports Complex.