OMAHA, Neb. – Carlie Cook and Lydia Holtmann each had a goal and an assist to lead the Omaha women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over UMKC on rain-soaked Caniglia Field Friday night in the Mavericks home opener.
The Mavericks are now 1-0 on the season, while the Kangaroos fall to 0-1.
UMKC outshot Omaha by a 17-7 margin, including an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. The 'Roos also held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
The Kangaroos had two opportunities to get on the board early in the first half. Omaha's Haley Shelton deflected Lilly Cobb's point-blank shot. The rebound found its way to Reighan Childers who put the shot over the crossbar.
Omaha had a chance of its own in the 10th minute when Holtmann found herself behind the UMKC defense but was unable to take a shot before the ball was cleared.
Shelton came up big for the Mavericks in the 36th minute as she stuffed Kara Priest's shot.
The two sides went into halftime scoreless.
Ava Doetsch's header early in the second half nearly gave Omaha the lead, but it sailed just over the bar.
Moments later, Shelton blocked back-to-back shots from UMKC's Kelsey Mothershead to keep the score knotted, 0-0.
Omaha scored the game's first goal in the 76th minute. After receiving a Holtmann pass near the end line, Cook took a deft touch to create space. Her left-footed shot was able to find the far corner of the goal for her first tally of the season and a 1-0 Maverick lead.
UNO put the game out of reach in the 87th minute. This time, Cook found Holtmann on the right side of the penalty area. Holtmann took a shot that went off a UMKC defender and into the net and a 2-0 Omaha lead. The goal was the first of the season for Holtmann.
That was all the Mavericks would need in the soggy conditions. Shelton recorded her first shutout of the season in the effort, recording eight saves.
UNO continues its four-game homestand next Friday, Aug. 26, hosting Creighton at 8 p.m.
