The ACU soccer team played its third straight home game Friday against Oral Roberts University. The game displayed another strong defensive effort by the Wildcats, but the Golden Eagles were able to come away with 1-0 advantage.

“I thought we played a good game overall, it was just a matter of keeping possession,” said senior goalkeeper Sydney Newton. “We were winning the ball back, but couldn’t get many shots off and our touch was a little off, so we just need to stay focused for our next game.”

The Wildcats took a total of 10 shots during the game, seven of which were on goal. While ORU recorded a total of 13 with four being on goal. Midfielders, sophomore Sophie Standifer and junior Leslie Snider led the Wildcats in shots, each taking two. Newton played all 90 minutes for ACU and made three saves in the losing effort.

“I think as a whole we all worked really hard,” said freshman Shay Johnson. “We all got to the ball really well, it was just a matter of communication and moving off the ball, so we struggled with our off ball communication, but we did very well skill wise.”

Kylie Dellis scored the only goal of the night for the Golden Eagles and Chloe Basnett earned an assist. Dellis also took three shots and Brittney Lawrence took two as they were the leaders in shots for ORU. Goalkeepers Paige Vincent and Ryliegh Bohnenstiehl split playing time, as each played a half. Vincent got five saves in her 45 minutes while Bohnenstiehl got two.

“We just need to work to build each other up and stay positive, because once we get down on each other that’s when things fall apart,” said Newton. “I think that the chemistry is there, we just need to get some goals in and gain confidence and it will all come together.”

The Wildcats hit the road on Sunday to take on the University of North Texas in a rematch of last season’s inaugural match in Elmer Gray Stadium.