The Wildcats had a weekend filled with soccer. The Wildcats are now, 9-5-1, 4-3-1 Southland, after losing 0-1 on Friday and winning 3-0 on Sunday.
On Friday night, ACU played 108 minutes and fell to McNeese in double overtime. The lonesome goal, that cost the Wildcats the game, was of the night came from an unfortunate ball. As soon as the foul was called, McNeese wasted no time setting the ball on the ground and shooting their free kick. The Cowgirl sophomore stayed onside, beat her defender, and sent a left foot rocket into the back of the net, just barely passing the grasp of redshirt junior goalkeeper Rachel Johnson’s hands.
The matched remained even almost the entire game, except for the end. Both teams attempted 17 shots total, including three shots each in the second overtime period. ACU had many chances to score, but all eight shots were blocked by McNeese’s goalkeeper.
Johnson had a total of five saves the entire game, adding to her new total of 51 saves this season.
Junior Shay Johnson said the loss was one that was stung a little more than usual.
“We were all pretty frustrated with not only the outcome, but ourselves and our own teammate as well,” said Johnson. “We really had to take a step back and come together as a team and a change for Sunday.”
On Sunday the Wildcats showed up to win and they did, 3-0. Not only is it the Wildcat’s ninth shutout of the 2018 season, but they also sent the Cardinals home with their first loss since Sept. 4.
It only took ACU five minutes to get on the board. Senior Dylan Owens sent a perfect ball from the left corner, and junior Shay Johnson was able to get a foot on it. The ball deflected right to junior Brooke Lenz, who nailed the ball into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
In the 16th minute, Lamar gave ACU an opportunity with a foul right outside of the box. Junior Michelle Mulrooney went up to take the kick, who then kicked and placed the ball perfectly into the net for her first goal of the season.
During the 23rd minute, it was senior Caity Acosta’s turn to make a goal. Johnson looked to Acosta, but it was deflected off by a Cardinal. The senior got the ball back and took a shot for the third goal of the game and her second goal of the season.
“You can’t really explain the feeling of scoring, because it’s great,” Acosta said.
The Wildcat’s defense remained strong the entire game. Sophomore Erin Smith stood in the net and only faced one shot, on frame, the entire game. She had only one save and improved her 4-2 season, making this her third shutout of the game.
The second half remained scoreless for both teams. However, ACU’s defense stayed strong and dominated the second half.
The Wildcats had 17 shot attempts, Johnson led with three, Mulrooney, sophomore Christina Arteaga, junior Megan Paul and Samantha Vestal each had two.
The Wildcats will hit the road for two matches this upcoming weekend before they close their regular season at home on Oct. 26. ACU heads to Huntsville to face the Sam Houston Bearkats on Friday Oct, 19 at 6:30 p.m.
