“I told the girls before the game, there’s 11 of us and 11 of them,” said KU coach Mark Francis, whose team lost to Nebraska, 8-1, last season. “If we can win the individual battles on field then that will help the collective battle, and for the most part, we won those battles.”

Christine Latham scored two goals and assisted on another for the unbeaten Cornhuskers (12-0 overall, 3-0 Big 12). The Cornhuskers attempted 13 total shots, four on goal, compared to four attempts by Kansas ( 6-6, 2-3 ), two of which were on goal.

KU goalkeeper Layla Young made seven saves, but she couldn’t stop a high kick from Latham. Twenty-eight minutes into the first half, Latham gave the Cornhuskers a 1-0 lead with an assist from Becky Preston.

Kansas corrected offensive problems, including completing passes, winning the ball in the air and improving communication, during the second half.

Both teams’ intensity increased as players fought for possession. Brianna Valento of Kansas drew a yellow card, in addition to two for Nebraska. Kansas couldn’t take advantage of free kicks after the yellow cards.

Nebraska, meanwhile, tacked on two more scores. Shannon Tanaka scored with an assist from Latham. Preston and Meghan Anderson assisted Latham to secure the win for Nebraska.

Kansas, which defeated Iowa State in Friday’s home game, was playing just its second game of the season at SuperTarget Field. Turf damage caused the Jayhawks to play their previous home games in Overland Park and Olathe.

“It’s great to be back at home,” KU defender Nikki Wahle said.”If we have good fan turnout like we did today and great communication we’ll be OK.”

This week Kansas will play host to Texas Tech on Friday and Colorado on Sunday. “If we come out and play anything like we did today, we have a good chance of winning” Francis said.