BUFFALO, N.Y. – Olivia Winnett's goal in the 63rd minute supported
Izzie Vaccari's nine saves as the Miami soccer team topped Buffalo 1-0 on Friday night.
The RedHawks improved to 3-7 on the season and moved to 2-1 in Mid-American Conference play.
"Tonight's result was a full team effort," head coach
Courtney Sirmans said. "We looked hesitant and shocked at the speed of play in the first half. Once we got to the half we had a chance to talk about what needed to change to get a result. It was not our best soccer, but it was a gritty performance. We took three points on the road which is the first time this program has done that in conference in two years. We are so incredibly proud of how this group continues to grow and it's exciting to watch!"
After only one total Buffalo (4-5-1, 1-2 MAC) shot was fired in the first 10 minutes of play, UB began taking some long-distance bids to the net with
Izzie Vaccari making three stops as the Bulls had the first five shot attempts of the evening. Buffalo ended up with a 13-0 shot advantage in the opening frame, but Vaccari made five stops to leave it scoreless.
Things picked up a bit for Miami in the second half as it got a few more looks in the attacking third.
Soph Spinell recorded the RedHawks' first shot of the night in the 62nd minute, streaking down the right side and firing a shot that Emily Kelly caught.
A minute later, the Red & White forced a turnover and were lethal on the counter attack. A pair of quick passes sent
Olivia Winnett the other way with some open field. She wound up from outside the 18 and lofted a shot over Kelly for her third goal of the season.
Jordan King and
Lyda Bogdanovitch each picked up assists on the play.
The Bulls threw what they could at the RedHawks to bid for an equalizer, but Vaccari and the defense stood the test and kept them at bay to post their first shutout of the season.
Buffalo ended up with a 24-4 shot advantage for the night, but Vaccari finished up her first solo shutout at Miami with nine saves. UB also led in corner kicks, 9-1.
Miami finishes up its weekend trip at Akron on Sunday. Opening kick is at 1 p.m.
