BROWNWOOD, Texas – UST omen's soccer team secured a gritty 1-0 victory on the road against Howard Payne on Saturday afternoon. With the result, the Celts improve to 2-1-2 on the season.

The first half was a defensive battle as both sides looked to gain momentum. UST generated early chances, including shots from Emma Cerda, Abigail Davila, and Fernanda Alvarado, but none found the frame. Goalkeeper Kylie Soich came up with a save in the 12th minute to keep the match scoreless, and the Celts carried their energy into halftime tied 0-0.

After the break, the Celts continued to push forward. Alicia Chi fired a look just wide in the 55th minute before a wave of attacking pressure midway through the half. Cerda forced a team save at the 63rd minute, followed by a strong shot on target from Amy Romero that was denied by the Howard Payne keeper.

The breakthrough came in the 80th minute. Freshman Amy Romero capitalized on a setup from Cerda, slotting the ball past the keeper for the game-winning goal. From there, the defense held firm to close out the shutout victory.

Soich finished with one save in goal, while the Celts outshot Howard Payne 9-3, controlling possession and dictating the pace throughout the match.

Match Notes

• Goal: Amy Romero (80') assisted by Emma Cerda.

• UST outshot Howard Payne 9-3, including a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal.

• Goalkeeper Kylie Soich recorded one save in the clean sheet.

• Romero's strike was her third goal of the season.

Up Next
The Celts return home to Houston for a midweek matchup, hosting Mississippi University for Women on Thursday, September 19. Kickoff is set for 5 PM.