Udhbav Bharadwaj | Staff Reporter
After the start of the match was delayed by lightning the match failed to bring the thunder.
A defensive masterclass from both teams and the occasional attack on the counter built from the back failed to make an impact on the scoresheet.
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats faced an uphill task facing a Kansas University team that had previously only allowed two goals this season.
Kansas’s stout defensive play was evident at the start of the match, as they chose to play with five at the back.
The Jayhawks held most of the possession for the starting quarter of the game, even getting some early chances on goal.
The Bearcats, however, were able to settle in and they came roaring back with chances of their own, coupled with a lion share of possession.
The first half ended with both sides evenly poised on terms of shots, saves, corners and the works.
It was evident that both sides came into the second half with a changed attitude.
Kansas took more shots on goal in the second half than the Bearcats were able to do in the entire match.
UC turned a page in their defensive arsenal while Kansas stepped out on the attacking front.
The extra time was inevitable after a tipsy-turvy match, with no side capitalizing on a pair of clear chances apiece.
Cincinnati was on the receiving end of a Kansas attack in the extra 20 minutes as well, with Cincinnati registering no shots on target but having more saves in the same period.
Redshirt-Junior goalkeeper Claudia Eustaquio put up a solid display against a potent Kansas attack along with her backline. Her six saves proved to be the difference against a team that took 19 shots on goal.
Both teams were able to make an impact through their defenders, with Cincinnati’s #17 Kiki Lowell having a standout game from the back saving numerous chances, using an ample amount of skill on the ball, creating up front and having an all-round outstanding game.
“I think that this was our most complete defensive performance that we have been able to put together all season,” assistant coach Mat Cosinuke said. “I think they have got a ton of ability up top and our commitment to the finer details, being able to disrupt the pattern that they wanted to find was great.” Any time you limit someone’s space in the areas they prefer to play in, it makes the other team uncomfortable.”
It was a well-earned draw against a tough ranked Kansas team and prepares the team for the game on Sunday against another ranked team.
The Bearcats are travelling down south to the heart of the Dixie to face No. 10 ranked and undefeated Auburn University Sunday at 1 p.m..