ABILENE – The ACU soccer team matched up with the Islanders of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Friday night at Elmer Gray Stadium, and after 110 minutes, the game finished as a draw. Neither team could crack the scoreboard despite countless opportunities, and the game ended 0-0 for the Wildcats' first tie of 2018.
The team hosted its annual "Go Pink Game" in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. The Wildcats wore "Go Pink" shirts during warmups, and pink socks during the match. Prior to the start of the game, the team recognized breast cancer survivors and prayed for those currently battling as well.
ACU (8-4-1, 3-2-1 Southland) was absolutely dominant on offense throughout the game, commanding an incredible 32-10 lead in shot attempts, including a 16-5 edge in shots on goal. The Wildcats had multiple chances for scoring opportunities, but the Islander goalkeeper Kyleigh Hall tallied 16 saves, tying a program record in the process.
"That was a tough one to swallow tonight," said head coach
Casey Wilson. "This game was similar in a way to the Houston Baptist game (1-0 loss in double overtime on Sept. 15) where we controlled a majority of the game and outshot the team. However, we walked away with a poor result."
ACU has flirted with ties a few times this season. The Wildcats have scored the game-winner either in overtime or in the final five minutes of the game four times in Abilene that led to 1-0 victories. However, that was not the case this time.
ACU tallied 13 shots in the first half, 14 in the second half, and five in the two overtime periods combined. Half of the shots (16) were placed on frame, but the ball would not find the back of the net. And despite the offense being unable to put a point on the board, the defense never gave in.
"Our back line played great again tonight," added Wilson. "We just need to put the ball in the net."
The defense pitched its eighth shutout of 2018, setting a new NCAA Division I program record. It is the second consecutive shutout and fourth in the last five matches for the team. Redshirt junior goalkeeper
Rachel Johnson tallied her fifth shutout of the season as well.
Offensively, sophomore
Christina Arteaga led the way once again in shot attempts (7), while
Sophie Standifer added five.
Shay Johnson and
Chelsea Reedy tallied four shots, while
Samantha Vestal and
Ashley Stamps added three apiece.
ACU will have a rare Sunday off before returning to Elmer Gray Stadium next weekend. The Wildcats will match up with the Cowgirls of McNeese State University on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
