Bulls Buck Broncos 2-1

Bailey nets first goal of the season; Coron records ten saves

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team captured their first Mid-American Conference victory of the season by defeating Western Michigan, 2-1 on Friday night at UB Stadium. On a rain-soaked field, the Bulls attacked early by scoring two goals in the first fifteen minutes of play to preserve their victory.

Stephanie Velez

With the rain falling, the Bulls struck first in the fourth minute. Freshman Katie Kerr stormed down the left side with the ball, finding fellow freshman Stephanie Velez in front of her. Kerr slid the ball between two Broncos defenders off a feed pass to Velez. As Velez sped down the left wing, Western Michigan goalkeeper Sarah Phillips came out to challenge the shot. Velez ripped the shot from 25 yards out to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.

In the 15th minute, the Bulls extended their lead to 2-0 off a Western Michigan foul. Facing a wall of Broncos on the free kick, junior Lindsey Bailey scored her first goal of the season off a 23-yard blast, which prevailed as the game-winning goal.

Amy Coron

In the 59th minute, the Broncos cut the Bulls' lead to 2-1. Forward Stephanie Skowneski put the Broncos on the board by burying a 25-yard shot just under the crossbar off a pass by Megan Matula.

Senior Amy Coron captured her second victory of the season, recording ten saves in the contest with eight in the second half. Following tonight's performance, Coron (398) moves closer to breaking the all-time UB career record for most saves (414).

"Our players deserved this win. They fought hard through the entire contest by finishing their opportunities," said head coach Michael Thomas. "In the second half, the Broncos attacked our end but we stood strong".

The Bulls (2-10-1, 1-3-1 MAC) will remain at home as they face MAC opponent Northern Illinois on Sunday, October 11 at 12:00 pm.