RENO, Nev. – Just three days into its 2007 preseason, the University of Nevada soccer team played its first match, falling to the visiting Chico State Wildcats 1-0 in double overtime Friday night at Mackay Stadium.
Nevada’s starting lineup featured three freshmen, goalkeeper Marie Cove (Garden Grove, Calif.), defender Erin Smith (Littleton, Colo.) and midfielder Jill Erickson (Woodinville, Wash.).
Smith had a good look in the fifth minute of the match when she connected with Devin Noe’s free kick from 40 yards out, but Smith’s header went wide. Another freshman, Cristen Drummond (Los Angeles, Calif.) took a good shot in the 39th minute off a pass from Karen Zmirak. Zmirak flicked the ball to herself over a Chico State defender and played a ball to Drummond in the box. Durmmond found herself in a one versus one with the Wildcats keeper who came off her line and was able to make the save.
“You don’t like to lose but this game was a lot of great early lessons,” said Nevada head coach Terri Patraw. “Despite the outcome, I was pleased with some individual performances. As a team we were good in the second half after a disorganized first half.”
The Wolf Pack held a 10-5 advantage in shots but Chico State recorded five shots on goal to Nevada’s four. Samantha Miller, Kenishia Warren and Miranda Montejo all took a team-high two shots for the Pack. Miller saw her shot in the 94th minute go just wide.
Cove played the complete game in goal for the Pack, making four saves. Kari Gonzales also played a complete game for Chico State and recorded four saves.
Chico State’s Abby Stretch scored the game-winner for the Wildcats in the 106th minute on a close-range shot inside the box.
Nevada will host CS Stanislaus on Sunday in its final exhibition match of the season. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Mackay Stadium and admission is free. The Pack opens the regular season at home on Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. vs. Oregon.
