CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Texas A&M-Corpus Christi soccer overcame an early 1-0 deficit with goals in the 30th and 58th minutes to defeat Abilene Christian 2-1 Friday night at Dugan Stadium.
The loss was ACU's second straight, lowering its season and Southland Conference records to 7-8-1 and 4-3-1, while the Islanders improved to 4-5-3 overall and 3-3-1 vs. the league.
The Islanders' game-winner was initiated by a corner kick taken by Zoe Cole, which was headed into the goalmouth by Jessica Berdan. From there the ball found its way to Jacey Love, who punched it into the back of the net and past goalkeeper
Sydney Newton.
The Wildcats, who outshot the Islanders 14-9 for the match, were given a half dozen more chances over the final 30 minutes to score the equalizer. But a shot by
Chantal Kinsey was saved by Megan Delaney in the 62nd minute.
Peyton Bucklew had her attempt in the 72nd went wide, and in the 82nd minute, senior
Sarah Schoch just missed the goal as her header following a
Natalie Throneberry sailed high.
Junior
Lindsey Jones put the Wildcats on the board first tonight in the sixth minute. She delivered a throw-in to the foot of
Emily Sumrall along the right sideline. Sumrall played it back to Jones, and the junior sent a high, arcing ball toward the box that carried over the head of Delaney, off the left post and into the back of the net.
The Islanders, however, would tie the score later that half when Yvette Franco hooked a shot over starting goalkeeper
Kelsey Dombrowski at the 29:13 mark.
The two sides went into the locker room deadlocked at 1-1.
Dombrowski made just one save in the first half, while Delaney had four and finished the match with seven. Newton made two stops in relief of Dombrowski.
Jones led all Wildcats with three shots, and placed all on frame. Her goal was her third of the season and it was the second assist for Sumrall.
The Wildcats return to action Sunday at Incarnate Word for a 1 p.m. match. ACU defeated its longtime rivals 3-1 last season in Abilene.
