Soccer Blanks Kentucky 2-0

Friday, October 16

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

7:00 p.m

Alabama

6-6-1, 2-3-1SEC

Kentucky

4-7-4, 1-5-0SEC

Kentucky

Alabama

Rosaly Petriello tallied a quick strike off a set piece in the ninth minute.

10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer

Box Score

Oct. 16, 2009

Box Score | Photo Gallery

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama soccer team returned home and opened alumni weekend with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kentucky Friday night at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. The Crimson Tide broke its scoreless streak in the ninth minute and didn't look back as they improve to 6-6-1 on the season and 2-3-1 in Southeastern Conference play.

"Our team was really focused tonight," Alabama head coach Todd Bramble said. "We had an excellent week of training heading into the weekend so I saw this kind of performance coming. I was happy to get the first goal, we needed that. The players played really well tonight."

Alabama was able to open the scoring early when junior midfielder Rosaly Petriello capitalized on a set piece. Off a corner kick Petriello played it short to senior defender Alex Butera who instantly passed back to Petriello on the right side of the field near the end line. With a tough angle the Saint Catharines, Ontario native bent it around the Kentucky goalkeeper far post with her left foot in the ninth minute.

The Tide nearly tacked on another 10 minutes later when freshman Amanda Ortegon peppered the far post twice to set up a corner kick. The newcomer brought the ball down off her head and volleyed far post with her left foot but rattled the woodwork.

Alabama dominated the first frame by firing off 12 shots compared to two by Kentucky. The Crimson Tide tallied nine corners in the half.

Alabama continued to manage the match by causing constant problems for Kentucky on their defensive third. After knocking on the door all period the Crimson Tide broke through to put the game away.

With 50 seconds remaining in the match senior Kelsey King broke free through the Wildcat backline and buried a one-on-one opportunity near post off a Petriello through pass up the middle of the field. The tally was her third of the season and the assist marked the third point of the game for Petriello.

Alabama fired off a total of 22 shots compared to three by Kentucky. Ortegon led all players with five shots while Petriello and King tallied four apiece. Alyssa Telang led the Wildcats with two shots.

On top of the shots the Crimson Tide tallied 17 corner kicks to five by the Wildcats. Alabama now improves to 6-1 on the season when scoring a goal.

Alabama sophomore goalkeeper Justine Bernier earned her fourth clean sheet of the season. Bernier only had to make 1 save on the evening.

Alabama will remain at home to host Vanderbilt on Sunday, Oct. 18. The match will mark the Alabama athletics department "Think Pink" initiative. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.