The women’s soccer team erupted for four goals in the second half as it captured its first win of the season, 5-3, over the University of Texas- San Antonio Friday afternoon. After being held scoreless in the previous two matches, the Wildcats found the back of the net in Austin at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
“We got to see what we’re capable of on offense, which was exciting to watch and it’s definitely something we can keep building upon,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “It was good to gain confidence in this area, although there is still plenty for us to improve on as we get ready to play UC Irvine Sunday.”
The Wildcats stand at 1-2-0 while the Roadrunners fall to 0-2-0.
ACU’s five goals are its most since their match against UT- Pan American in September 2014 and the combined eight goals are the most in a Wildcats’ match since a 5-4 overtime loss to Eastern New Mexico in 2007.
The Wildcats trailed early in the match, giving up a goal in the third minute, putting them down 1-0. Minutes later, ACU tied things up on a goal by junior Natalie Throneberry off an assist from freshman Sophie Standifer at the 6:34 mark. The game would remain tied heading into halftime.
The second half would lead way to an offensive explosion from both squads. The Wildcats struck for two goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half, with scores from Standifer in the 49th minute on a one-on-one match up as she hit her mark from 14 yards out, and from senior Lindsey Jones off a pass from junior Maria Gomez in the 55th minute.
The Roadrunners struck back with two goals in less than three minutes to tie things up at 3-3 off a cross to the middle from ten yards out in the 62nd minute and a deflection that got past ACU junior goal keeper Kelsey Dombrowski in the 64th minute.
The Wildcats reclaimed the momentum with a goal immediately after the UTSA score. Redshirt sophomore Kate Seay beat the Roadrunners’ goal keeper from inside the goalmouth for what proved to be the game-winner in the 65th minute. ACU added on an insurance goal to make it 5-3 off sophomore Megan Baer shot from 20 yards out in the 71st minute.
ACU tallied more shots for the game (16-11), while UTSA led in shots on goal (8-7). Baer and Gomez led the Wildcats in shots on goal with three a piece, as ACU was able to convert all but two shots on goal.
Dombrowski finished the game with five saves and three goals allowed in the complete-game win.
The Wildcats will prepare for UC Irvine Sunday afternoon in College Station at 10 a.m.
