CONWAY, Ark. – It was a tough ending to a remarkable season Wednesday afternoon as the Wildcat soccer team fell to the McNeese Cowgirls in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Southland Conference Tournament. After getting a lead in the second half, McNeese scored twice in an 11-minute span to take the lead. The Cowgirls would hold on to top ACU, 2-1. The Wildcats wrap up another outstanding season that featured a top-three finish in the league at 8-2-1, and an overall record of 12-5-2.
The Goals
- 58' | After a scoreless first half, freshman
Caylen Wright gave ACU the lead with an assist from
Christina Arteaga. Wright caps her season with eight scores and 17 total points, while the assist gives Arteaga six helpers and 30 total points.
- 63' | Rachel Young scored the equalizer for McNeese.
- 73' | Mariah Rueles scored the eventual game-winner.
The Numbers
- ACU and McNeese were tied at four shot attempts apiece in the first half, but the Wildcats led 3-0 in shots on goal. ACU led the way 10-7 in shots for the game, including a 6-2 edge in shots on frame.
- McNeese capitalized on its only shots on frame, while its goalkeeper played well with five saves.
- Arteaga's brilliant junior season came to a close with 12 goals and six assists for a total of 30 points, the best statistical season of her career.
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Natalie Jones wraps her Freshman of the Year campaign with 21 points on seven goals and seven assists.
- Wright's 17 points were split between eight goals and an assist.
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Sophie Standifer,
Rachel Johnson,
Shay Johnson,
Brooke Lenz,
Samantha Vestal,
Peighton Starch, and
Michelle Mulrooney all played their final games Wednesday, but the group is one that won't soon be forgotten. The veterans combined for 43 wins and a 2018 Southland Conference Tournament Championship that featured the school's first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. This group played an incredible role in the success of the program.
The Future
- The future is bright for the Wildcats who will bring back 28 players including nine juniors, seven sophomores and 12 freshmen. Lots of players had experience on the field this season as they look to build on the legacy left by the outstanding seniors.
Head Coach Casey Wilson
"In similar fashion to a couple other losses this year, we had plenty of chances to put the ball away. We were there in front of the McNeese goal mouth quite a bit. They did a good job in the first half of limiting our chances which in the whole scope of things cost us."
"This has been one of the most talented teams we have had here at ACU over the last 13 years. Not only are these good soccer players but quality young ladies as well."
