ABILENE – The Wildcat soccer team returned to Elmer Gray Stadium for the first time this spring Friday night, and dropped its Southland Conference match to Lamar, 2-1. The Wildcats (4-4-2, 0-2-0 SLC) scored an early goal, but scores in a two-minute span for the Cardinals (4-1-0, 3-1-0 SLC) in the second half gave the visitors a lead they would not give back. Senior
Christina Arteaga scored her first goal of the spring in the first half for the Wildcats.
The Goals
- 39' | Lamar committed a hand-ball violation in the box, and Arteaga lined up for a penalty kick. It was perfect ball placement to get it passed Lamar keeper Nicole Panis on the left side for the score.
- 59' | The Cardinals responded in the second half with the first of two goals from Esther Okoronkwo. She got positioning on a long-ball, raced down the field and sent one passed
Erin Smith to tie the game.
- 61' | Two minutes later, ACU was called for a foul in the box, and Okoronkwo lined up for the penalty kick. She scored on the left side to put Lamar in front.
The Numbers
- ACU trailed in total shot attempts, 22-15, and placed nine shots on frame.
- Arteaga scored her first goal of the spring, and in the process moved into third place on the Southland Conference career shot attempt list.
- Arteaga finished with six shots, placing four on goal.
-
Erin Smith made nine saves in net, and made some sweet plays between the posts to keep the game 2-1.
- Arteaga,
Ellen Joss, and
Alyssia Anuat played all 90 minutes.
Head Coach Casey Wilson
"We played well enough to win the last two games, but it comes down to putting the ball in the net and we just haven't found it enough."
Up Next
- ACU wraps up its first home weekend of the spring on Sunday when they meet the McNeese Cowgirls. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Elmer Gray Stadium.
