Houston, TEXAS – The University of St. Thomas Women's Soccer Team never takes anything for granted. Returning Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) champions worked hard throughout ninety minutes and opened up their 2018 season with a win over Mid-America Christian University (MACU).
Despite a strong start and having control of the game it was difficult for the Celts to find a solution for very organized Evangels defense. In the first half, UST held 10-1 edge in shots and took 7 corner kicks as MACU had only 1. Patience finally paid off for the Celts as Alexa Noyola (SR/Houston, TX) scored what turned out to be a game-winning goal in the 43rd minute of the first half. This was a crucial goal to take UST to halftime.
In the second half UST stayed sharp defensively stopping any severe counters for the Evangels. Led by central defenders Mariah Escobar (SR/Houston, TX) and Sydney Wright (JR/Katy, TX), Celts stingy defense only allowed for 2 shots on goal in this game. MACU Lozano had 2 shots total, with one going to target, with Riley accredited for the second shot on goal for the Evangels. Jordan Thompson (SR/Spring, TX) in goal made both saves making in her first shutout for the season.
Offensively Celts kept pressing with Siobhan Higgins (SR/Katy, TX) and Escobar notching 4 shots each, alongside Rachael Bell (SR/Houston, TX) who besides controlling the midfield managed 3 total shots (1 on target). During one of those attacks, Higgins received the ball on the right side, dribbled past MACU defender and came into the box firing a shot that was initially stopped by Evangels goalkeeper Jennifer Starwalt. Rebound was picked up by Alexa Noyola who made it 2-0 for the Celts in the 60th minute of the game.
After a free kick was awarded right outside Evangels 18 yard box, it was Mariah Escobar who stepped up for the Celts. The beautifully placed free kick sailed over MACU wall and outstretched hands of Starwalt to make it final UST 3 – MACU 0.
UST had a total of 21 shots (12 on goal), and MACU Starwalt made a total of 9 saves. Two freshmen saw their first collegiate start as forward Aeriana Lewis (FR/Houston, TX), and defender Sarah Zimmer (FR/Willis, TX) earned their spot in the starting lineup. Six more new players (2 transfers and 4 freshmen) played this evening with Coach Barjaktarevic using a total of 21 players.
"Excited to play after a very long preseason and I can see us continuing to grow as a team even during this game," said head coach Nikola Barjaktarevic. "So happy to see Alexa get two goals tonight, but it was a true team effort both defensively and offensively. Now we have to recover and refocus as we face 3 more tough opponents in the next eight days".
Celts are now 1-0 while Evangels fall to 1-3 for the year. Next up for the Celts is a showdown with NCAA I Prairie View A&M University this Monday, September 10, 2018. Celt's currently lead the series 3-1. The game is set to kick-off at 8:00 P.M. at Houston Sports Park.
