Huskers Down Washington 2-1; Advance in NCAA Play

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Portland, Ore. ? Jenna Cooper led the Nebraska soccer team in a 2-1 win over Washington with a goal and an assist in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament Friday afternoon at Merlo Field in Portland, Ore.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

The win improves Nebraska’s overall record to 13-7-1 and marks the eighth consecutive year the Huskers have advanced past the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies ended their season with an 11-7-3 record.

 

"It was a very exciting game," Coach John Walker said. "We scored early and did whatever we could and fought and scrapped to protect the lead. Our players hung in there especially during the last 15 minutes and Jenna scored a goal when we desperately needed it. It was a good performance."

 

Freshman Jessie Bruch put the Huskers up 1-0 at the 17:59 mark on a short header inside the six-yard box on a cross from Cooper. The Louisville, Ky., native’s assist tied Meghan Anderson for fifth place in the Nebraska record books with 14 assists in a single season.

 

The Huskers took the lead into halftime, despite being outshot 11-5 in the opening period. NU goalkeeper Katie Wright, who got her fourth start of the season in goal, and the NU defense recorded eight saves in the first half to keep the Huskies scoreless.

 

Washington’s Kim Taylor knotted the score at 1-1 at the 57:13 mark on a close-range shot that came from a ball that NU failed to clear.

 

With a minute and 39 seconds remaining in regulation, Cooper posted her second game-winning goal of the season to give her the team points lead with 18 points on the season. Cooper nailed a shot from 30 yards out that deflected off a Husky defender and sailed into the net for the NU win.

 

Overall, Washington outshot the Huskers 20-10 for the contest, but Nebraska was more productive with its shots, scoring on two of its three shots on goal.

 

Wright finished the game with eight saves, while UW goalkeeper Lisa Brookens posted one save and allowed both Nebraska goals. The Huskers outcornered the Huskies 5-3.

 

Nebraska will go on to face defending national champion Portland in the round of 32 at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon in Portland. The Pilots defeated Denver 1-0 in their opening game on Friday afternoon.