HOUSTON – One goal was enough for Central Arkansas to get past HBU soccer in the Southland Conference matchup at Sorrels Field, Friday night, 1-0.
"I'm very proud of the girls' effort and tenacity tonight," head coach
Misty Jones said. "The first half was pretty even but we certainly had the run of play in the second half. Allison created two great chances… One that hit the crossbar and the other was a good save by the keeper. It was just a matter of inches and we would've had the equalizer. We are never satisfied with a loss but I can't be more proud of the effort."
Both teams battled throughout the game, but the time HBU's (5-8-1, 3-3-1 SLC) defense showed some vulnerability, University of Central Arkansas (11-3-1, 6-0-1 SLC) found the back of the net. Alex Moore beat her defender on the right side of the box and drew sophomore goalkeeper
Alanis Guevara out of position before she slipped the ball to Ashley Smith who finished in an empty net. The best chances the Huskies had to tie the game came from senior midfielder
Allison Abendschein. The first chance came in the 48
th minute off of a free kick about 22 yards out. She took the initiative and took the shot, but it hit the upper right side post. The second best chance she had happened four minutes later as she broke through the defenders and founds herself alone with the keeper. Lauren Mercuri was forced to make a big save to keep the Huskies shutout.
Abendschein led the Huskies offensively with three shots on goal as the team produced a total of five. Guevara took the loss as she made two saves on the night with one goal against.
The Sugar Bears had Smith do most of the offensive work as she had two of the three shots on goal. The time was split in goal as Anna Hughes took the first 45 minutes without making any saves and Mercuri made five saves in the second 45 minutes.
The Huskies will be home on Sunday for the final time of the season against Northwestern State at Sorrels Field. Senior recognition will take place before the game to honor the six seniors. Then the team will travel to Lake Charles, Louisiana for the Southland Conference matchup against McNeese at 7 p.m. on Friday.
