Cougars Fall at Kansas City in Opener

September 3, 2013

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City midfielder Emily Herndon accounted for the only scoring Friday as the Kangaroos knocked off visiting SIUE 1-0 in the women’s soccer opener for both schools.

“Tonight was a step up from the preseason,” SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. “But it wasn’t quite enough.”

Herndon was able to capitalize on an SIUE mistake to strike for the game-winner in the 58^th minute of play. The Cougars turned the ball over 30 yards from their goal, and Herndon did the rest.

“Give her credit she is one of their best players, but we didn’t do a good enough job defending her on the dribble,” Burton said.

The Kangaroos (1-0) outshot the Cougars (0-1) 10-6 for the game. Burton said the second half was an improvement, but the team is still searching for the right combinations.

“We definitely created some chances in the second half,” he said. “We’re still looking for that final piece - that intangible. I think we’ll have it when we find that combination of who wants to come out and play, without hesitancy, from the first minute of the game.”

Burton said the play of midfielders Sarah Doggendorf and Cassidy Sherman particularly stood out.

“Sarah had a great game. She worked her tail off,” Burton said. “Cassidy played well and won quite a few 50-50 balls.”

Burton also lauded sophomore goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley who took the loss for the Cougars, but made two saves. Kangaroos’ keeper Nina Tzianos made three saves in the shutout.

SIUE remains on the road for a 1 p.m. game at Drake Sunday afternoon. Burton said that any changes have to come from within.

“We’ll see what adjustments we can make, but it really has to happen on the player level,” Burton added.

It wasn’t all bad tonight, but it wasn’t good enough. We have a long way to go, but we want to get to where we want to be quickly.”