UD Women's Soccer Falls in Tight Season Opener to Howard Payne
IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas women's soccer team allowed an early second half goal that counted as the difference in a back-and-forth match to Howard Payne University on Saturday afternoon.
Lesly Garia broke the scoreless tie in favor of the Yellow Jackets at the 46:56 mark on a goal to the left side of the net from the top of the box.
Elisa Duran (Pomona, Calif.) countered quickly about a minute later on a free kick near the top of the box on the right side. Her attempt slipped through a four-player wall on the ground, but HPU's new goalkeeper Rayden Hicks reacted to pick up the roller. Hicks earned the win, as starter Delaney Castor and Hicks combined for 11 saves in the shutout.
Howard Payne started the first 10 minutes with all five shots but would be held to just one the remainder of the stanza, as the Crusaders registered the next five attempts – three that came within less than two minutes of each other. Gigi Garcia Orozco (San Antonio, Texas), Monica O'Donnell (Lincoln, Neb.), and May Lien Le (Katy, Texas) all had a shot on goal in that stretch.
In the second half following the goal, UD put up nine shots compared to five by the guests but only had three challenge Hicks. The Yellow Jackets did attempt four corner kicks compared to Dallas' zero in the second half, and finished 5-3 overall. The Crusaders withstood HPU's threats of adding on to the score, but had their last shot in the 85th minute. Izzy Barajas (Bryan, Texas) finished with game-highs in shots with four and shots on goal with three. O'Donnell and Orozco each added three shots with two on target.
All eight freshmen for the Crusaders made their collegiate debuts, which included: Barajas, Alyssa Mencacci (League City, Texas), Michelle Narvaez (Shawnee, Kan.), Bridgette Alpar (San Antonio, Texas), Orozco, Makayla Snow (North Richlands, Texas), Bella Luna (San Antonio, Texas), and Taylor Knochenhauer (San Antonio, Texas).
Natalie Kutac (Bulverde, Texas) and Olivia Severson (La Crosse, Wis.) played each half of the contest with Kutac making the start. Each tallied a save.
UP NEXT
Dallas continues its home stretch with LeTourneau University on Friday, September 13. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.