Arizona surges in second half to beat Denver, advance to second round of NCAA Tournament

The Arizona Wildcats scored a trio of second-half goals to beat Denver 3-0 to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

After a sluggish first half that featured a combined six shots, UA senior Kennedy Kieneker knocked in a cross from Jill Aguilera in the 52nd minute to break the seal, which kicked off an offensive flurry for the Wildcats.

A few minutes later sophomore Amanda Porter netted a free kick from just outside the 18, before junior Kelcey Cavarra netted a free kick in the 74th minute to ice the game.

Amanda Porter nets a free kick to give @ArizonaSoccer a 2-0 lead on Denver in the 58th minute. It was a rocket. pic.twitter.com/3i68mBS4IR

— Ryan Kelapire (@RKelapire) November 10, 2018

Arizona only had four shots in the first half, but finished with 17. Denver had five. The Pioneers had a breakaway late in the first half but UA freshman Hallie Pearson deflected the ensuing shot to safety, keeping the game tied heading into the locker room.

UA goalkeeper Lainey Burdett made two big saves in the second half, including one on another promising Denver breakaway.

The Wildcats will face No. 2 Tennessee next weekend in Knoxville. This is the second straight year UA has advanced to the Round of 32.

This story will be updated with quotes.

from Arizona Desert Swarm - All Posts https://ift.tt/2RKLw6e
via IFTTT