Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
UAB
Culicerto Leads @HerdWSoccer in 2-1 Comeback Win
10/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Junior Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) scored twice in a match for the second time this season, leading Marshall women's soccer (6-4-4, 3-1-2) to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over UAB (5-7-2, 2-2-2) on Friday evening at Veterans Memorial Soccer Complex.
With the win, the Thundering Herd extended its unbeaten streak to five matches and moved just two points off the top of the C-USA standings in third place.
The Blazers were first to get on the scoreboard when Paige Hanks fired a shot in the 17th minute from 25 yards out into the top right corner of the Herd net to go up, 1-0. Despite efforts to equalize, Marshall headed to the locker room down by one goal.
The deficit didn't last much longer as Lia Foster (Keswick, Ontario) placed a corner kick in the 54th minute inside the UAB box to Culicerto, who headed it home. Foster earned her team-high fifth assist with the set piece. Nearly seven minutes later, Sydney Arnold (Stafford, Va.) broke past the UAB backline, down to the right side of the Blazer goal and crossed right-to-left to Culicerto, who fired from 10 yards out into the back of the net for the go-ahead score.
The Herd held off multiple attacks by the Blazer offense in the final 30 minutes to seal the victory, 2-1.
AGAINST THE BLAZERS
Marshall led in shots (15-12), with 10 of its strikes on-target. The Herd also topped the Blazers in corner kicks (7-4). Marshall keeper Lizzie Kish (Boyertown, Pa.) made four saves, while Angelica Jimenez saved six for UAB.
GOING STREAKING
Marshall's five-game unbeaten streak is the longest since the Herd opened the 2009 season with a program-record seven consecutive wins. The Herd has not lost since dropping its C-USA opener against Western Kentucky, 1-0 (Sept. 27).
LONG STORY SHORT
Quotes by coach Kevin Long:
On differences from the first to second half:
"It was a bit different from the start of the second half. There were a couple things in the first half that we did that gave UAB a lot of room. For the first time all season our backs were dropping significantly deeper than usual, and that was creating more space for Kelly [Culicerto] to have to defend in the midfield, as opposed to staying center-mid. When we pushed forward in the second half, we created a smaller field and created more opportunities for us offensively."
On Kelly Culicerto's two-goal performance:
"Kelly put away two great goals. We've spent some time in the corner and I'm glad to see her get that header. She almost had one in the first half that was well-placed, but the keeper made a great save. The goal she scored with her foot, she put it on-frame. At halftime we said to the team, 'at what point are we going to start putting balls on-frame?' It's not been for a lack of effort, but we haven't been scoring. It was great to see them run a play and score tonight."
Quotes by junior midfielder Kelly Culicerto:
On Sydney Arnold's assist on her second goal:
"Not only was it her speed, but her composure gave me a great spot when she got to the back line and slotted the cross to me. She was in total control."
KELLY WEARS KELLY GREEN & WHITE
Marshall is 4-0-0 when junior Kelly Culicerto (Charlotte, N.C.) finds the net this season. Her two multi-goal matches (Eastern Illinois, Aug. 29 and UAB, Oct. 17) tie her for fifth place in the Marshall record book, and her five career game-winning goals rank No. 4 all-time for the Herd.
THE CULICERTO CONNECTION
The sisterly tandem of Kristine and Kelly Culicerto tops Marshall's offense with six goals apiece. The Herd has won all but one game when a Culicerto sister scores in 2014 (6-1-2), with the only loss of 2-1 coming at Miami (Ohio) (Sept. 19). Senior Kristine leads Marshall with 13 points, while junior Kelly claims team-highs of 47 shots, 22 shots on goal and four game-winners.
THE LAST TIMEââ'¬Â¦
- A member of the Herd scored two goals: Aug. 29, 2014 - Kelly Culicerto at Eastern Illinois (W, 3-0)
- Lia Foster made an assist: Sept. 14, 2014 - at Eastern Kentucky (W, 3-1)
- Sydney Arnold made an assist: Sept. 7, 2014 - Appalachian State (W, 2-1)
THE SERIES
Marshall recorded its third win against the Blazers, trailing the series 3-7-1. When playing in Huntington, the Herd is 2-4-1 against UAB.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
Keep up with the latest news about Herd soccer by liking the team's official Facebook page: Marshall University Soccer. For live in-match updates and news, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter. Want to see photos and behind-the-scenes action? Give @HerdZone a follow on Instagram.
UP NEXT
Marshall will host Middle Tennessee in its home finale on Sunday at 2 p.m. for Senior Day. For all the latest information about Marshall women's soccer, follow @HerdWSoccer on Twitter.
---HerdZone.com---
