Kats Win Exhibition 1-0 over ULL
8/19/2013 5:12:00 PM | Soccer
LAFAYETTE, La. -- One week before the start of the 2013 regular season, the Bearkats travelled to Louisiana to pick up an exhibition win over Louisiana-Lafayette, 1-0. Freshman Shannon Shields scored the lone goal from an assist by fellow freshman Kylie Dick.
The Kats and Cajuns played three 30-minute periods which allowed Sam Houston head coach Tom Brown to play 22 of his players. Brown fielded a completely different lineup for each of the first two periods and a combination of players in the third.
“Overall I thought it was a good performance. It was an opportunity to look at players and a fitness opportunity for them,” said Brown. “I thought it was an important piece for us not to give up a goal. We graduated three starters in the back so it's a learning experience. We got the opportunity to play eight different players in the back.”
One of the eight defenders was Megan Manis, who is making the transition to defense this season. The junior played in the first and third periods along the back line.
Goalkeepers Kylie Hambleton and Carlyn Neubauer combined for the clean sheet for the Bearkats, making five saves.
The goal was the product of a quick break away sparked by a through ball by freshman midfielder Kylie Dick. Shannon Shields' initial shot was saved but she was able to bury the rebound.
The Bearkats are ready to get the season started this weekend.
“We're excited to be back at Pritchett. It's been a very good home field for us since the new turf was installed last season. We hope that the freshman students and newcomers will come out and show support,” Brown said.
The season opens against Texas Southern Sunday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at Pritchett Field. It will be “Free Food Friday” for the first 100 fans in attendance.
