Cincinnati Soccer: Bearcats allow late goal in draw at Bowling Green

Neil Stafford’s team hit the road for the first time this season and came away with a 1-1 draw against Bowling Green at Cochrane Field on Thursday night. Vanessa DiNardo gave the Bearcats an early lead before Bowling Green scored a late equalizer.

After getting off to a relatively sloppy start, Cincinnati found a rhythm and eventually took the lead with an impressive shot assisted by Brandi Thomsen. DiNardo made a nice move to shake the defender and convert a goal from just outside the box.

Bowling Green had a couple of scoring opportunities in the early moments but senior goalkeeper Anna Rexford kept the scoreless streak intact for the time being. Rexford was able to keep the Falcons quiet in the first half with several crucial saves.

Cincinnati led 1-0 at halftime and had multiple chances to increase the lead but Bowling Green’s defense tightened up as senior goalkeeper and team captain Lili Berg kept the Falcons within striking distance before the offense started to wake up.

Cincinnati Soccer: Bearcats allow late goal in draw at Bowling Green

DiNardo nearly doubled the Bearcats advantage with a difficult shot early in the second half but it barely deflected off the crossbar. During the play, sophomore forward Vyviene Spaulding went down with a leg injury and was unable to return.

The Falcons finally started to create consistent pressure midway through the second half as Kennedy White’s potential equalizer hit off the post. Just a few moments later, Maya Dean’s free kick hit the wall and the defense was able to clear it.

With less than 20 minutes remaining in the match, Bowling Green junior forward Lacee Bethea used her speed to get an edge past the defense and connect with Brynn Gardner for a header. It was the first goal that Rexford allowed this season.

Cincinnati had a great chance to pick up a win in the road opener but will have to settle for a second straight draw after allowing a late equalizer. The Bearcats will head home for upcoming matchups against Murray State and Stony Brook next week.