John Brown Live Stats | Drury Live Stats | Southland Conference Soccer
ABILENE – The Abilene Christian soccer team continues it five-match road swing this weekend with a pair of noon contests at John Brown University and Drury. The Wildcats last played each of these schools during the ACU program's second year of existence in 2008.
ACU tied the then 12th ranked Panthers that season at 0-0 and defeated the Golden Eagles, 3-0, with goals coming from Jackie Gentile, Alyson Thomas and Katie Miller. Crissy Lawson and Elliott London combined on the shutout as the Wildcats went on to register their first winning season at 9-8-2.
The 2013 Wildcats begin their week at 2-0-1 after following a 1-0 home decision over UT-Brownsville with a 1-1 tie at UTEP, which was ACU's first-ever match vs. a NCAA D-I opponent. The Miners took an early lead in the 12th minute on an Aleah Davis goal, but senior Andrea Carpenter came back with the equalizer in the 58th minute on an assist from Jacey Ferrara. From there, the Wildcats' defense took over led by the likes of Whitley Lindholm, Brie Buschman and freshman goalkeeper Sydney Newton, who made five saves over the final 65 minutes.
For their efforts against the Ocelots and Miners, Carpenter, Lindholm and Newton all earned Player of the Week honorable mention status from the Southland Conference. Carpenter's goal was the 45th of her decorated all-America career and pushed her past 100 career points.
A native of Amarillo, Carpenter is currently ranked among the Southland Conference leaders with two goals, 11 shots and 1.67 points per game. Stivers is tied with several players with two assists, while Newton ranks third with a 0.58 GAA and .889 save percentage.
In the win over UT-Brownsville, junior Taylor Brown scored the first goal of her career in the second minute with an assist coming from the left flank and Katie Stivers. ACU fired 19 shots against the Ocelots, but were repeatedly stonewalled by goalkeepers Maria Eriksen and Amanda Fulton, who combined for nine saves. Two Ocelot defenders also were credited with team saves.
John Brown is off to a 1-1 start after splitting their matches at the Pizza Ranch Classic in Iowa. The Golden Eagles opened with a 1-0 loss at Northwestern, but then dominated Dordt, 4-0, with goals scored by Laura Garcia (x2), Braydi Frederick and Hannah Poor. Kristen Morency made just one save for the complete-game shutout victory.
Drury is making its 2013 debut this weekend and will play host to Harding Thursday at 5 p.m. before welcoming the Wildcats Sunday. The Panthers return nine starters from last year's team that finished 9-7-3 and 7-6-2 vs. the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Junior Shelby Hatz (22 points), senior Kara Steiner (8 points) and senior Jennifer Rogers (8 points) are among Drury's top returning players.
