The Cincinnati Bearcats traveled to Pittsburgh on Sunday to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Bearcats came into the contest rocking a perfect 3-0-2 record. The Bearcats were playing well to start the season and were looking to show the world that they meant business. The Bearcats were off to their best start under coach Neil Strafford and had all the momentum heading into this tough contest. The Bearcats knew this would be a real challenge and would give the Bearcats a chance to see who they really were!
The Bearcats starting 11 were Vanessa Dinardo,Brandi Thomsen, Sarah Kate Rath, Brooke Brown, Kendall Battle, Mackenzie Turner, Ashley Barron, Ellie Flower, Emma Schmelzer, Maddie Swingle, and Anna Rexford
The Panthers starting 11 were Caitlyn Lazzarini, Ellie Coffield, Sarah Schupansky, Landy Mertz, Amanda West, Emily Yaple, Hailey Davidson, Anna Bout, Athalie Palomo, Katie Zailski, and Ashton Gordon
The Panthers controlled most of the possession through the first 45 minutes as the Bearcats’ backline held strong to limit any threat in the attacking third. Pittsburgh held the advantage in shots and corner kicks at the break, but Anna Rexford recorded four first-half saves as the two teams went into the locker room scoreless. Cincinnati has still not allowed a goal in the first half through six matches.
In the 61st minute when Panthers’ Samiah Phiri found Leah Pais from near the goal area and Pais lifted one over the outstretched arms of Rexford for her first goal of the season to take the 1-0 lead. Pittsburgh would get some insurance shortly after as Keera Melenhorst played a ball that found Pais once again, who placed a shot in the back of the net. Cincinnati would not be able to generate enough offense to keep up with the talented Panthers’ team. Rexford posted a season-high five saves on the afternoon, increasing her total to 15 on the season. The Bearcats sit at a 3-1-2 record on the season after a defeat on Sunday. The Bearcats even with the loss have been dominating on the offensive side of things and have gotten great play from everyone on the team.
The Bearcats remain on the road and will take on Western Michigan on Thursday. The kickoff is set for 4 pm ET and will give the Bearcats an opportunity to bounce back before heading home.
