ABILENE, Texas – The HBU women's soccer team attempted a season-high 19 shots but dropped a 4-1 decision on Friday evening to Abilene Christian in the Southland Conference opener for both teams at Elmer Gray Stadium.
The Huskies (1-7-0, 0-1-0 SLC) earned a pair of corner kicks in the second minute of the game and sophomore
Bryce Reynolds' shot on goal at the 1:59 mark was stopped by ACU (5-2-1, 1-0-0 SLC) goalkeeper Rachel Johnson. Both sides remained active in the first half, combining for 26 shots. The Wildcats struck in the 34
th minute when Jordan Michie scored with an assist from Christina Arteaga. ACU's Shay Johnson and Samantha Vestal both added goals in the first half with Natalie Jones assisting on the goals.
In the second half, HBU freshman
Xya Balderas had an attempt on target saved in the 57
th minute before finding the net with an assist from
Noor Abukishk in the 59
th minute to pull the Huskies within two. Abukishk had a pair of shots on goal within a minute of each other but ACU's Johnson was up to the task, stopping both and maintaining the Wildcat lead. At the 69:14 mark, Jones scored the final goal of the match.
Balderas' goal was her third of the season as she led the Huskies with four shot attempts with three of those on goal. Abukishk's assist was her second of the year. In goal,
Ashtyn Franks matched a career-best with 10 saves.
"Tonight was certainly a tough one," said head coach
Misty Jones. "We played a fantastic 30 minutes and then unfortunately gave up three goals which was hard to come back from. Abilene Christian was very clinical in their finishing and tucked away their chances. We are playing great soccer at times, we just need to put together a full 90 minutes and get everyone healthy."
Friday's match was the Huskies' only game of the weekend. They return to action next Friday, Sept. 27, when they face Sam Houston State at 7:00 p.m. in Huntsville.
