Creighton University
Evansville
Neumann's Goal Lifts Women's Soccer Past Evansville in MVC Quarterfinals, 1-0
11/1/2009 4:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
OMAHA, Neb. - Brittney Neumann's team-leading seventh goal of the season gave Creighton a 1-0 victory over Evansville in Sunday afternoon's State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Quarterfinals at Morrison Stadium.
The shutout was Creighton's 11th on the season, good for a new program record, eclipsing the 19-year old mark of 10 set in 1990.
"The first 15 minutes of each half were the difference," said head coach Bruce Erickson. "I felt we dictated action all afternoon, and were unfortunate not to get a goal in the first half," Erickson added.
Creighton scored less than a minute into the second half on a corner kick for the match's lone goal.
Erin Gunther was on the ball from the right corner, putting it to the top of the goal area. Her ball was played by Claire Zach, whose header was blocked, but trickled to Neumann on the near post. She finished just underneath the crossbar for the game-winner.
The assist was Gunther's eighth on the season and marks the fourth straight match she has recorded a point.
Creighton controlled the play for much of the game, outshooting Evansville 21-4 without allowing a shot on goal. The Jays also held a large advantage in corner kicks, setting a season-high with a 12-1 margin.
Alicia Montgomery recorded her eighth shutout, and 11th victory of the year without having to make a save. Chaviel Harrison stopped seven Creighton shots in falling to 1-8-0 on the year.
The win advances the Bluejays to Friday's MVC Tournament semifinals, where they will take on second-seeded Missouri State at Morrison Stadium.
"Missouri State is a difficult team to play and break down," said Erickson of Friday's opponent. "We played well [in the previous game with Missouri State] and had a lot of opportunities, but it will certainly be a tough match," he added.
Friday's first match will feature top-seed Illinois State taking on the winner of Drake and Indiana State at 3:30. Creighton and Missouri State will kick-off at 6:00 pm at Morrison Stadium
NOTES: Gunther's scoring streak has reached four matches (1g/3a), and CU's record improved to 4-0-1 this season when she records a point ... The Jays are now 8-0-1 in opening-round, MVC Tournament matches ... The win was CU's 12th on the season, tying Bruce Erickson's season high at Creighton ... Evansville is the only team in the MVC to defeat Creighton in the Valley Tournament in a non-penalty kick, tie-breaking setting ... Creighton has never defeated Missouri State twice in one season.
