Stephen F. Austin
St. Edward's
Ladyjacks Take Win in Opener
8/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 31, 2007
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - It took 90 minutes of regulation and nearly two full overtime periods, but the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack soccer team notched a win in Friday's season opener against St. Edward's. Junior Jessica Cotton went airborne to meet a beautiful cross off a corner kick by classmate Lauren Fricks and headed the ball past the St. Edward's keeper into the upper right corner of the net to end the double-overtime thriller with a 2-1 victory for the Ladyjacks. The winning goal came in the 117th minute of play and was the first goal scored since SFA knotted the game at one-all in the 32nd minute.
St. Edward's (0-1-0) opened the scoring in the 11th minute, when Emily Arnold snuck in a high free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. SFA evened the count 20 minutes later on a goal by Kelli Wilson. The sophomore took a pass on one bounce from junior Amanda Alders in front of the Hilltopper goal and volleyed it past the 'keeper with one touch. Junior Summer Bradfield started the play with a solid attacking pass to Alders and was also credited with an assist.
Neither team could scratch after the early action, despite several near misses by the Ladyjacks. SFA took seven shots to St. Edward's four in the first half and outshot the Hilltoppers by a total of 19-9 for the game. Eight of SFA's 19 shots were on goal.
St. Edward's was not without its offensive chances, either, but sophomore goalkeeper Crystin Pactor was up to the challenge. Following the early goal, she played brilliantly, directing traffic in the backfield and challenging the Hilltopper attacks. She recorded five saves, two of which were sprawling stops in one-v-one situations.
The victory improves SFA's record in season openers to 6-6-1 all-time and marks the Ladyjacks' first overtime victory in a season-opening contest. SFA is now 4-2-1 all-time when opening its season at home. The Ladyjacks have won their season opener in back-to-back years under head coach Jaime Frias.
SFA (1-0-0) will return to action Sunday, when the Ladyjacks host Creighton. The game against the Bluejays is set for an 11 a.m. start at the SFA Soccer Complex.
-- SFA --
