ABILENE – The ACU soccer team stayed undefeated at 5-0 at Elmer Gray Stadium Sunday afternoon after posting a 1-0 victory over the Colonels of Nicholls State University. The Wildcats (7-3, 2-1 Southland) have played in six 1-0 games in 2018, and are 4-2 in such affairs. ACU has posted six shutouts this season, and is one away from matching its Division I record of seven set in 2013, the school's first season at the DI level.
"I thought we played better today and took a step forward in terms of our decision-making," said head coach
Casey Wilson. "But we aren't satisfied. We still need to take advantage of our chances better next week."
Those chances refer to a staggering 25-2 advantage in shot attempts, including a 9-0 lead in shots placed on goal. The ball was consistently on the Nicholls' side of the pitch, but ACU was unable to convert until the second half.
Senior
Dylan Owens scored in the 56th minute, and it came with outstanding help from freshman
Alyssia Anuat. The San Diego, Calif. native sent a perfect cross from the right side to her teammate, and Owens was there to finish the play. The two combined for one of the better hookups of the season, and Owens scored her fourth goal of the season, and 22nd of her career, which ranks second in ACU history to
Andrea Carpenter (56).
"Alyssia's cross outside the corner of the 18 was a great ball," Wilson said. "We were very pleased with that goal. It was a great look for our offense. But again, we just have to add to it."
The Wildcats made life very simple for sophomore
Erin Smith in goal, who did not face a single shot on frame. The shot attempts came in the 16th and 66th minutes, but were both wide as the defense continued to dominate.
Individually,
Christina Arteaga and
Ashley Stamps led the way with four shot attempts, while
Samantha Vestal and
Brittney Harris each contributed with three off the bench. Anuat,
Megan Paul, and
Laura Mauldin each added two shots as well.
ACU is back on the road next Friday, Sept. 28 in Conway, Ark. for a date with the Bears of the University of Central Arkansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Wildcats wrap up the road weekend in Natchitoches, La. for a matchup with the Demons of Northwestern State University on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m.
