ABILENE – Junior
Christina Arteaga did her thing on offense, senior
Rachel Johnson did her thing in net, and the ACU soccer team capped its first ever undefeated season at home in program history Sunday afternoon at Elmer Gray Stadium. The Wildcats (11-4-2, 7-2-1 SLC) scored early in the second half and shutout the Sam Houston State Bearkats (7-9-1, 5-4-1 SLC), 1-0. The win moves ACU into a tie for second place in the Southland Conference standings.
History Made
- The win capped a 6-0-2 season at Elmer Gray Stadium, the first undefeated home slate in program history. ACU finished 7-1-1 in 2018, 6-1 in 2013, 10-1-1 in 2011, and 8-1-1 in 2009. The team is 13-1-3 in its last 17 home games.
- Senior goalkeeper
Rachel Johnson became the program's all-time leader in career shutouts with 14. It's the fifth of the season for the Coppell native, and the third consecutive.
Southland Significance
- ACU cannot win a regular season championship in the league, but is now in a tie for second place with Northwestern State at 7-2-1. The two teams tied in Abilene earlier this year.
The Goal
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Christina Arteaga scored one of the more aesthetically pleasing goals of the season in the 55th minute.
Emily Heidman sent a wonderful pass from the corner toward the box, where Arteaga gathered, juked to switch directions, and sent a majestic ball off her right foot to the top right corner of the net to give ACU the lead.
The Numbers
- The goal was Arteaga's 11th of the season, setting a new single-season high for the junior.
- Arteaga's three shot attempts moves her into second all-time in total shot attempts in a career with 233.
- Johnson recorded six more saves in the shutout, moving her into fourth place in Wildcat history with 151 career stops.
- ACU outshot the Bearkats 26-10, including 10-6 in shots placed on goal. The Wildcats controlled the game, holding possession for 56% of the match.
- The 'Cats led 6-2 in corner kicks, including four in the second half.
- The weather was much nicer Sunday than it was Friday night against SFA; the teams played under beautiful sunshine and 75-degree temperature.
- The 41 goals scored this season ranks fourth in ACU's single-season history.
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Sophie Standifer's five shots were a team-high while
Emily Heidman recorded four. Arteaga and
Alyssia Anuat added three each.
Seniors
- Veterans
Rachel Johnson,
Samantha Vestal,
Shay Johnson,
Peighton Starch,
Michelle Mulrooney,
Brooke Lenz, and
Sophie Standifer played their final games at Elmer Gray Stadium Sunday.
Up Next
- The regular season ends next Friday, Nov. 1 in San Antonio, Texas against the UIW Cardinals. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. The Southland Conference Tournament begins Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Conway, Ark.
