Hurricanes Set for Home Opener

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After spending the first weekend of the 2012 season on the road, the Miami Hurricanes women’s soccer team returns to Cobb Stadium for a Friday night match-up with visiting Morehead State at 6 p.m.

“We are really excited to finally be at home,” head coach Tom Anagnost said. “It is always a great feeling playing here in front of our fans.”

The Hurricanes (1-1-0) opened the season in impressive fashion, defeating Dayton and Ohio State in exhibition contests before upsetting No. 21 Florida 4-1 at Pressly Stadium. Behind goals from three new Hurricanes, Miami cruised to only their second win over the Gators in the rivalry’s history. 

Despite falling 1-0 to USF two days later, the Hurricanes cracked Soccer America’s first weekly poll at No. 12, and were also receiving votes for the second straight week in the NSCAA/Continental Tire Division I poll.

The addition of 14 new players to the roster has already paid dividends for Coach Anagnost and his staff, who have relied on the play of newcomers in the early going. Freshman midfielders Paige Lombard (one goal) and Jasmine Paterson, alongside senior Tina Romagnuolo (one goal), have spearheaded a Hurricanes’ attack that looked impressive against a stout Gators' defense. Senior forward Kate Howarth (one goal), named All-ACC a season ago, has also maintained her steady pace up front.

The Owls (0-2-0), who have dropped road matches against Akron and Kent State, enter their match-up in Coral Gables with a similarly fresh roster. Head coach Warren Lipka’s roster includes 17 freshmen, and every player earning points is a sophomore or younger.

“I expect us to play with more energy, passion and desire and to do much better in the areas that we trained the past few days,” Coach Anagnost added.

For just $50, secure a ticket to every home Hurricane Soccer and Volleyball match. Season tickets to the home soccer schedule at Cobb Stadium can be purchased for $35, with single match tickets available for as low as $3. Call 1-800-GO-CANES to order your tickets today!