Big Win

10/25/2009 3:45:21 PM

Alli Miller

Game Statistics

EDMOND (Oct. 25) – Central Oklahoma struck early and then let its Alli Miller-led defense do the rest as the Bronchos blanked Midwestern State 2-0 in a key Lone Star Conference showdown Sunday afternoon at Wantland Stadium.

Katelyn Cropp scored just 3:17 into the contest to give UCO the only score it would need, Beth Helm added an insurance goal in the 32nd minute and the Bronchos recorded their 10th shutout of the season, including the seventh in eight home games.

UCO improved to 12-5-1 on the year and took over the league lead with 18 points at 6-2, while the Mustangs dropped to 11-3-2 and 5-3. Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M tied Sunday, leaving the Wildcats second in the standings with 17 points at 5-2-2, followed by the Lady Buffs with 16 points at 5-2-1 and MSU with 15 points at 5-3 .

The Bronchos would earn the regular-season conference crown and the right to host the LSC Tournament with wins in its final two games. UCO hosts Texas A&M-Commerce Friday and then ends the regular season at home against Texas Woman's next Sunday.

“That was a big win that we had to have,” UCO coach Mike Cook said. “We took advantage of a couple of first-half scoring chances and our defense was really solid today. Now we have to take care of business in these last two games."

Miller picked up her first assist of the season in addition to pacing the defensive unit that pitched its second straight shutout, getting plenty of help from fellow defenders Summer White and Dominique Dinka.

The Bronchos also relied on a strong midfield performance in limiting MSU to nine shots and goalkeeper Megan Riley had four saves in recording her eighth shutout of the season.

Cropp put UCO in control quickly, taking a long Miller pass and hammered in a shot from 20 yards out in the fourth minute for her seventh goal of the season.

It stayed that way until the 31:25 mark when Beth Helm nudged in her second goal of the year from point-blank range after a Kelsey Springstead shot had been blocked.

That 2-0 lead was more than enough for the Bronchos, who kept MSU at bay the rest of the way.

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