Redshirt senior Emily Elsbrock solidified the University of Cincinnati women’s soccer team a season-opening victory over Samford on Friday night as she scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat the Bulldogs, 2-1.

After falling behind 1-0 at the 14^th minute, UC clawed right back into the match in the 21^st minute with a goal from Laura Rose. Both teams remained scoreless and forced overtime, despite the Bearcats holding a 13-7 shots advantage. Elsbrock broke up the tie by netting the game-winning, overtime goal just four minutes into extra time.

GOAL SCORING SUMMARY
SAM – Malcanish Kelley (Jermaine Seoposenwe, Olivia Cole), 14’
Seoposenwe crossed a low pass into the 18-yard box, and Kelley one-timed the pass and pushed it by Smith. SAM 1, CIN 0

CIN – Laura Rose (Jaycie Brown), 21’
Just minutes after being subbed into the game, Rose controlled a nice through ball from Brown just outside of the 18-yard box. The junior dribbled into the box and ripped off a shot to the keeper’s right side to equalize the match. SAM 1, CIN 1

CIN – Emily Elsbrock (Katy Couperus), 94’
After two corner kicks by Jae Atkinson, Couperus found Elsbrock sneaking through the Bulldog’s defense for a one-on-one opportunity against Samford’ keeper. The senior beat the net minder high and to the left to give UC the overtime victory. CIN 2, SAM 1

STAFFORD’S STATEMENT
“Early in the first half, I was disappointed by how we started, but we improved throughout the game and finished strong. Not to mention, all the adversity that we had to face with traveling yesterday, playing a solid program like Samford, and dealing with the heat. The team really showed some maturity, and I am proud of how we dealt with those things. It’s a big deal to beat a quality team like Samford in overtime.”

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT – EMILY ELSBROCK
“It was exciting to come off the bench and help the team pull out an overtime win in the season opener. My role is to be a leader and game changer when I come into the game. Laura [Rose] and I came into the match, we were ready to go and brought high energy.”

GAME NOTES
- For the first time since 2010, Cincinnati recorded a victory in their first match of the season (Morehead State, 2-1).
- Dating back to last season, UC’s last three matches have gone into overtime (Nov. 3 vs. Rutgers; Oct. 25 vs. Louisville).
- A total of four newcomers received the starting nod from Stafford with two being freshmen (Vanessa Gilles and Jaycie Brown) and the others transfers (Taylor Jackson and Devyn Ciotti).
- Dating back to last season, Elsbrock has notched a goal in five of the last seven matches.
- Brown garnered her first career point with an assist on Rose’s goal in the 21^st minute of the match. She later added another assist on Elsbrock’s game-winner to become the first player to notch two assists in one match since Megan Cravenor did Sep. 29, 2013 versus Memphis.
- Friday night’ match versus Samford kicked off the 35^th season of UC women’s soccer with the program beginning in 1980.

NEXT MATCH
The Bearcats will utilize Saturday as a travel day as they head to Starkville, Mississippi for Sunday’s match versus Mississippi State. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. ET for the two foes.