Crusaders Shutout Southwestern in Conference-Opening Win

GEORGETOWN, Texas – The University of Dallas women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 victory over Southwestern University on Friday night. Alyssa Mencacci (League City, Texas) tallied the lone goal of the match at the 18:42 minute mark and Olivia Severson (La Crosse, Wis.) anchored a stout Dallas (4-4-1, 1-0-0) defense that amassed 12 saves.

For the second match in a row, the Crusaders struck first on the scoreboard and carried a 1-0 advantage into the break. This time, in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) opener, the Crusaders blanked SU (8-3, 0-1-0 SCAC) despite allowing 15 shots, four corner kicks, and being called for eight fouls.

It was the third shutout of the campaign for UD, all versus SCAC foes by a goal, and counted as the second home loss for the Pirates.

Mencacci connected on her team-leading fifth goal of the season, as the freshman was held scoreless the previous two matches a weekend ago on this five-game road stint. Before that, Mencacci had been named SCAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week thanks to scoring four straight games that included a pair of game-winners.

The Pirates' highly touted offense that had 19 goals in 10 matches entering the night would increase its offensive intensity in the final 45 minutes. Severson grabbed seven saves and finished with a season-high eight. UD's defense pinched in with four team saves to keep the clean sheet intact.

Overall Dallas took 10 shots and placed six on goal. Makayla Snow (North Richland Hills, Texas) was a perfect three-for-three, while Lexi Tocci (Austin, Texas) and Gigi Garcia Orozco (San Antonio, Texas) each placed their only shots on target. UD only got called for five fouls total, while being charged 11.

Alexi Guarjardo took a team-high six shots and placed three on goal. Maya Fuller, Hallie Rutherford, and Karlee Holmes placed multi-shots on goal. Mary Cardone made five saves in 90 minutes.

The previous conference-opening win for Dallas was on September 19, 2014, to Southwestern University in a 1-0 overtime result. That match was in Irving. UD has won two of the past three meetings in Georgetown over the last three seasons.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#UDCRUSADERS start #SCACwsoc with a W! Severson season-high eight saves and Mencacci nets lone goal!#WeAreUD #d3soc #UDallas pic.twitter.com/cZsX9443OP

— UDallas Athletics (@UDallasSports) October 5, 2019

UP NEXT

Dallas wraps the road trip up at Texas Lutheran University on Sunday at 12 p.m.