BEAUMONT, Texas – Haven't we seen this before? Score two goals in the first half, dominate on defense, and get a win over the UIW Cardinals. That's was we saw last Friday night in Abilene, and it's what we saw Tuesday night in the Southland Conference Tournament. The No. 6 seed ACU soccer team scored early and often, led by a pair of goals from
Natalie Jones and another one from
Caylen Wright to cruise to a 3-0 win over the No. 6 seed UIW to move on to the semifinal round of the league tournament. In the last five days, ACU (12-5-2) has beaten UIW 5-0.
ACU moves into the semifinal round for the third time in their four-year postseason history.
The Goals
- 14' |
Christina Arteaga sent in a beautiful corner, and after UIW goalie Margaret Kofron couldn't get her hands on it,
Natalie Jones was there to knock it in from just inches away to give the 'Cats the lead they would not look back on.
- 44' | ACU held possession most of the game, and
Caylen Wright added to the lead with a majestic goal from well outside the box on the right side. It was just seconds before halftime to put an early dagger in the Cardinals. The ball hit the underside of the top bar and rattled home for the 2-0 lead.
- 68' | Jones was at it again. This time it came off of wonderful help from her teammates.
Faith Husbenet placed a ball down the right side for
Jordan Michie, who then crossed it on a roller towards the middle. Arteaga clicked it with on the run behind her beautifully for Jones, and the sophomore got off a shot attempt that was deflected by the keeper Kofron. But Jones was there for the rebound and the goal to secure the win.
The Numbers
- It was the fourth multi-goal effort of the brilliant and young career of
Natalie Jones. The 2019 Southland Freshman of the Year posted her first goals of her postseason career Tuesday. Jones also moves into a tie with Arteaga for the team lead in goals (6).
- With three more tonight, Arteaga moved in the No. 1 spot in Southland Conference history in career shot attempts (310).
- Wright tallied her fourth score of the season.
- ACU led ever so slightly 16-14 in shot attempts, and led 6-3 in shots placed on goal.
- It was even 4-4 in corner kicks, and even 7-7 in fouls.
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Erin Smith tallied three saves, all in the second half, and guided the defense to its ninth shutout of the season.
Up Next
- ACU will take on the No. 7 seed Sam Houston Bearkats in the semifinal round. Kickoff will be underway at 7 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
