Aug. 21, 2009

Box Score

Las Vegas, Nev. - LMU got the 2009 campaign off to a winning start Friday night with a 2-0 shutout against UNLV at Peter Johann Memorial Field in Las Vegas, Nev. Freshman Cori McGovern and junior Julie Gallaudet each scored in the second half in support of senior Allyssa Clark's ninth career shutout.

In the season opener for both squads, LMU dominated the offensive end, out-shooting the hosts 19-8 on the night. The Lions took it to the Rebels early, creating eight corner kicks in the first 23 minutes and forcing UNLV goalie Alicia Lugo into four saves. Yet, despite an 11-2 advantage on corners and 13-4 advantage on shots, the Lions had nothing to show for it by halftime. Lugo had nine saves by intermission to keep the Rebels in the contest.

That would all change five minutes after the break as McGovern pounced on a loose ball off a pass from sophomore Jaide Garcia and slotted it past Lugo for the first goal of the young season.

The score would remain at 1-0 until the 85th minute, when Gallaudet picked up where she left off last season to put the game away for the Lions. Collecting a pass from senior Lacey Bartels, Gallaudet settled herself on the left side at the edge of the 18-yard box before firing into the top-right corner. After leading the team last year with five goals, Gallaudet wasted no time in putting her name on the scoresheet in 2009.

The two goals were more than enough for Clark, who stopped four shots for her ninth career shutout. Lugo had 10 saves for UNLV, who was led by Amanda Forrester's three shots.

The win was LMU's first in a season opener since defeating Nevada 3-0 in 2004. It was also the Lions' first shutout in a season opener since a 0-0 draw with Indiana in 2005.

LMU continues its two-game road trip on Thursday with a visit to Cal State Northridge.