Soccer Blanks ACU, 1-0
October 9, 2009
WEATHERFORD, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State University muscled itself back into the Lone Star Conference soccer race with a 1-0 victory over Abilene Christian University Friday in Weatherford.
Courtney Hailey's goal in the 24th minute was all SWOSU needed as the Bulldogs kept the Wildcats scoreless the entire 90 minutes. Hailey's goal came after a nifty pass by teammate Stephanie Kneedler right on the ACU keeper's doorstep. The victory was SWOSU's first in three tries against ACU and improved the Bulldogs to 4-8-1 on the year and 1-3 in the Lone Star Conference.
ACU fell to 7-4-1 with the loss and 2-1-1 in league play.
SWOSU coach Mark Persson was pleased with his team's breakthrough win considering the many previous times his squad has been on the short end of narrow defeats.
"This time we got the opportunity, and we delivered," Persson said. "They had the same chance but did not get it done."
The Bulldogs managed to nurse a one-goal lead the final 65 minutes despite constant pressure by ACU. The Wildcats ended up outshooting SWOSU by 21-11 margin and kept Bulldog keeper Chesley Dodd on her toes for much of the game.
"I thought we played well in the second half," Persson said. "We kept our composure. We didn't play with panic, and we were smart with our possessions."
SWOSU will next play Sunday afternoon against Angelo State. Game time is set for 1 p.m. in Weatherford.