Aug. 29, 2004
ORLANDO, FL - Behind a goal from senior MF Tesia Kozlowski (Westerville, OH) and stingy defense, the University of Dayton women's soccer team defeated the University of Central Florida, 1-0, Sunday in Orlando. The Flyers (1-1-0) won their first game of 2004 while the Golden Knights fell to a similar 1-1-0.
The Flyers struck first in the 17th minute as preseason All-Atlantic 10 selection scored her first goal of the 2004 season. Kozlowski slipped a shot to the far side of UCF keeper Juilie Snaman from 12 yards out, after taking a pass from junior F Reba Sedlacek (Hamilton, OH). Sophomore MF Katie Lowstuter (Cincinnati, OH) started the play with a cross to Sedlacek at the top of the box from the right flank.
Both teams battled though humid and sunny conditions with temperatures in the mid-90's at the UCF Soccer Field, and the Flyers clung to the 1-0 lead at the half.
The Golden Knights (1-1-0), the three-time defending champion in the Atlantic Sun Conference, coming off three NCAA tournaments and receiving votes in the Soccer Buzz Preseason national poll, came out tough in the second half. UCF put its first two shots of the second half on the frame, but senior GK Stacy DeLuca (Maryville, IL) stopped both.
Freshman F Dara Elk (Dumfries, VA) had a great chance to put the Flyers up 2-0 with 20 minutes to play, but chipped a ball just over the crossbar from close range.
The UD defense played a solid game in front of DeLuca, who posted the second shutout of her career with four saves. The fifth-year goalkeeper made a dazzling save with 11 minutes remaining, tipping the ball over the crossbar on a shot from inside 10 yards. She also got help in the closing minutes as freshman F Amy Lopez (Sunset Hills, MO) made a save on the line on a point-blank UCF shot by Kendra Flock.
The Flyers were out-shot 15-8 in the match, which included a 9-2 UCF edge in the second half. Kozlowski had three shots for UD. Snaman also made four saves for UCF.
With the goal, Kozlowski now has 20 for her career and becomes the fourth all-time member of UD's "20-20 Club" (players with 20 career goals and assists). She has 23 career assists, which is tied for second all-time.
Dayton remains on the road for four more matches before its home opener at Baujan Field Sept. 19. The Flyers play at Wright State Friday night at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, UD will travel to Cincinnati for a 1:00 p.m. match with the Bearcats.
