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Aug. 21, 2009

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Senior Lindsay Boling scored her 11th career goal to lead the Louisville women's soccer team to a 1-0 season-opening win over Miami (Ohio) on Friday night at Cardinal Park.

It marks the sixth straight season the Cardinals have won their season-opener and the eighth time overall in Karen Ferguson-Dayes' 10 seasons as head coach.

"Obviously, we're thrilled to open the season with a win," said Ferguson-Dayes. "I felt we had a great first half and really did a good job defensively as a team, which resulted in our ability to attack and get a nice goal. Courtney Holtz did a fantastic job serving the ball into Lindsay Boling, who did an even better job finishing."

Louisville jumped to the early 1-0 lead as Boling, a Louisville native, scored from 15 yards away on a cross from Holtz, a freshman from Peoria, Ill., in the 19th minute of action. It marked the second straight season and the third time in four seasons Boling has a scored a goal in the Cards' season-opener.

During the first 45 minutes of play, Louisville out-shot the RedHawks (0-1) 4-1 while controlling the ball for much of the half. In the second half, Miami was able to gain possession of the ball more frequently, though the Cardinals' defense held the visitors without any shots during in the final 85 minutes of play.

"In the second half, I think we slowed down a little bit and maybe put it in cruise control," said Ferguson-Dayes. "I also give credit to Miami because I think they turned the heat up a little bit and really pressed us in the second half. We have to learn how to manage a game, but it's a good start and one we'll build from."

Trailing by one goal, the RedHawks managed three corner kicks in the final 2:05, but the Cardinals held strong to hold off the late rally. Overall, Louisville trailed 5-3 in corner kicks while out-shooting Miami 11-1, including 7-0 in shots on-goal. Freshman goalkeeper Taylor Vancil earned the first win of her career without facing a shot on goal, while Miami goalkeeper Krista Pace stopped seven of eight shots in the losing effort.

Up next, Louisville will take to the road for a showdown with in-state rival Kentucky on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET in Lexington, Ky. The Cardinals will then return home to host the Courtyard by Marriott Airport Cardinal Classic on Sept. 4-6 at Cardinal Park. U of L will host South Carolina on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. ET, and Saint Louis on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.