Indiana University Athletics
Brown, Reinhardt Lead Carmel to National Finals
8/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 4, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Five former and current Indiana University soccer players were among the members of the Carmel United Cobras who advanced to the USASA (United States Adult Soccer Association) U-23 national finals with a 3-2 victory on Friday, Aug. 4, in Frisco, Texas. The Cobras scored three second-half goals, with IU senior Ali Brown figuring in all three, to notch a come-from-behind victory over the Pennsylvania Bucks. The Cobras will go head-to-head with defending national champion Colorado Real in the championship game at 9 a.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 6, at Pizza Hut Park.
Brown scored a goal and assisted on the other two for the Cobras, while sophomore goalkeeper Megan Reinhardt made six saves in net for Carmel. Other members of the Cobras include IU juniors Suzie Teixeira and Katy Stewart and former Hoosier keeper and current undergraduate assistant coach Lauren Fabbro.
The Cobras' other two tallies came from LSU's Joleen Phillips and Louisville's Jamie Craft. Craft notched the game-winner in the 83rd minute and also added an assist in the contest. Carmel fell behind on two early goals from former Penn State star Tiffany Weimer, a two-time All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year.
"Obviously being down 2-0 at the half was a bit of a downer considering the team we played against was really good," Brown said. "I told the team at the half that 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in soccer, because one goal and we're right back in it. We just took it one goal at a time, kept pushing forward, and eventually got it done. It's really exciting because we've been together a long time and we want to finish our careers as national champions."
The Cobras posted their 10th consecutive state championship and their first Region II championship in 2006. Carmel advanced to the semifinals with victories over the state champions from Illinois (3-1) and Kansas (5-2).
The Hoosiers kick off the 2006 season with an exhibition contest against Indiana State on Aug. 19 in Fort Wayne, Ind. IU will begin its regular season against California in the Wisconsin Tournament on Aug. 25 in Madison, Wis.
