The Wildcats upset bid of 12th-ranked Florida Southern came just short as ACU lost in overtime, 3-2. The heartbreaking loss drops the Wildcats to 4-1 on the season.
A goal on the opening kickoff in overtime by the Moccasins ultimately doomed the Wildcats. Adi Alvarado launched a ball that knuckled past goalkeeper Elliot London to seal the victory for Florida Southern.
“We played well in the first half, and we had plenty of opportunities to score,” Coach Casey Wilson said. “I felt we fell out of our game plan in the second half, which led to us running more and getting tired. If we would of maintained our game plan, we could of kept them out from getting back into the game.”
Florida Southern jumped out early in the first half, scoring in the sixth minute on a goal by Princess Haley. ACU would bounce back, though, and control the rest of the half. Freshman standout Andrea Carpenter would tie the game in the 20th minute at 1-1. Carpenter’s goal was her sixth of the season. Â ACU would add another goal in the 31st minute to take the lead. Ashley Holton buried the ball in the net off a corner kick setup by Katherine Garner.
“In the first half we came out and showed that we were better than them. It was a real big boost for our team and shows us we can play with anyone,” senior midfielder Courtney Wilson said. “In the second half we came out and played scared and just tried to hold on defensively. For me, even though we lost, it really gives me confidence in this team for the season.”
ACU was clinging to a one goal lead when Jessica Giblin tied the game up at 2-2 for the Moccasins in the 83rd minute. The score would remain tied until overtime. Alvarado would then put the kickoff past London that would eventually clinch the victory 3-2. London finished the game with three saves as she picked up her first loss as a starter.
“We went up against a talented team and stacked up really well. It shows us the level that we are on and what we are capable of doing,” Wilson said. “The girls just need to realize we have to play focused for 90 minutes. If we are taking away anything from this it is just a solid reminder we have to play the whole game.”
ACU returned to action Tuesday at Texas-Permian Basin, however, results were not in time for publication.
