The ACU soccer team fell 1-0 to Stephen F. Austin, the No. 1 team in the Southland Conference, last Sunday.
Neither team scored until the 82nd minute when the Ladyjacks’ Zuri Prince made the game-winning goal. This goal was Prince’s sixth of the year.
For the defense, ACU sophomore goalkeeper Kelsey Dombrowski faced seven shots in the first half and made two saves. Sophomore goalkeeper Sydney Newton made two big stops in the second half of the game.
“Overall we were controlling the game, but we could not complete any of our shots once we were in front of the goal,” Newton said. “The SFA offense did not pressure the goal as much as we expected, but they took advantage of opportunities they were given which ultimately led to our defeat.”
On the offensive side of the ball, junior Lindsey Jones led the Wildcats with three shots. ACU was able to take make 12 shots, four of which were blocked.
Stephen F. Austin remains number one in the conference with a record of 6-0. The Ladyjacks didn’t let up on their level of play as the Wildcats were challenged with the toughest competition.
“SFA is always a well-organized team and will pay attention to the details of the game more so than a lot of teams we play,” said Casey Wilson, head soccer coach. “So, if you give them a small opening, they will take advantage.”
However, ACU was able to stand strong as the defense held up well throughout the game.
“Overall, defensively, we played a solid game,” Wilson said. “Our back line has been tough all year, and our keepers have been solid as well. Our build-up of play throughout the game was good, but we did not test the SFA keeper enough throughout the game.”
The Wildcats currently stand at number two in the conference with Southeastern Louisiana and Sam Houston State trailing behind at third and fourth.
“We competed well like we always do and had three nice goals on Friday,” Wilson said. “This team knows what they are capable of and with that they have not gotten down after tough losses. We will bounce back.”
ACU will continue its fight as the team competes this Friday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. On Sunday, the team will face Incarnate Word.
