HAMMOND, La. – Freshman
Caylen Wright ended a hot, long, defensive battle Sunday afternoon with an improbable goal with just 12 seconds remaining to help the ACU soccer team defeat the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions 1-0. The score caps a 2-0 weekend for the team, with both wins coming via the shutout. ACU moves to 7-2-1 on the season and 3-0 to start Southland Conference play.
The Goal
- After the ball was cleared out of the box, Starch gathered the ball near the left sideline. The senior sent the ball right in the middle of the box for Wright. The freshman was between a defender and the goalkeeper, and waited for the ball to bounce once, then took action. Wright went for the header and sent it past the diving keeper for the crazy score.
The Numbers
- It was a defensive game from start to finish, as ACU led just 14-9 in shot attempts, including an 8-2 edge in shots on frame.
- The heat was a MAJOR factor, with the air temperature in the mid 90s and the feels like up to 102 degrees. The heat was even worse on the turf at Strawberry Stadium.
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Rachel Johnson netted a pair of saves and has back-to-back shutouts for ACU. The redshirt senior now has 12 career shutouts.
- ACU is 3-0 to start conference play for the first time since 2016.
- ACU's last defeat came on Sept. 6 against Texas Tech.
- The Wildcats led 4-2 in corner kicks.
- ACU forced 14 fouls, and the game saw two yellow cards and a red as well (all on SLU).
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Natalie Jones and
Shay Johnson led the way with three shot attempts each.
Head Coach Casey Wilson
"Southeastern Louisiana was a tough team and quite a bit better than their record (1-8-1, 0-3 SLC). We knew that coming in. We knew they would play tight defense on their tight field. It was hot on the road, and we will definitely take it."
Up Next
- ACU returns to the friendly confines of Elmer Gray Stadium next Friday, Oct. 4 against Northwestern State. The kickoff against the Lady Demons is scheduled for 7 p.m.
