Anderson Scores Two as Huskers Defeat Arizona

Lincoln, Neb. -- Senior midfielder Meghan Anderson scored two goals on free kicks as the fifth-ranked Nebraska soccer team opened its season with a 4-2 victory over Arizona on Friday at the Abbott Sports Complex. The Wildcats committed 23 fouls, three of which resulted in Husker goals.

"That's just one of my jobs," Anderson said. "When we get those opportunities, coach expects them to be in."

Anderson, who surpassed Kim Engesser for the No. 2 spot among Nebraska's all-time leading scorers, added an assist on a free kick to total five points against Arizona. Anderson boosted her career total to 117 points -- just 10 behind NU career leader Lindsay Eddleman's 127.

Sophomore forward Christy Harms and senior midfielder Danica Carey also scored goals for the Huskers. Harms' was assisted by senior forward Kelly Rheem and junior forward Christine Latham. Carey headed in a goal following a free kick that was tapped by Anderson to freshman defender Jenna Cooper, who booted a cross to Carey. Anderson scored NU's first and last goals at 1:35 and 67:28.

Nebraska sophomore Erin Miller, who began working as a keeper with the Huskers in February, started her first career game in goal, posting two saves. Arizona defender Liz Bartlett scored at 48:50 and midfielder Vanesha Bailey notched a goal at 61:48, closing the Husker lead to 3-2. NU led 3-0 at the half.

"You don't like to give up two goals, but the way we play holds itself to situations like what happened tonight," Nebraska Head Coach John Walker said.

Nebraska outshot Arizona, 33-9, and the Huskers outcornered the Wildcats, 12-0.

The Huskers will return to action on Sunday with a 7 p.m. contest against Alabama-Birmingham at the Abbott Sports Complex.