Crusaders Blank TLU for Conference Weekend Sweep
SEGUIN, Texas – The University of Dallas women's soccer team picked up another shutout over the weekend, this time tallying a huge 2-0 shutout at Texas Lutheran University on Sunday. The Crusaders (5-4-1, 2-0 SCAC) kicked both goals in the opening half and held the opposition scoreless in the second Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) match in a row. The 2-0 start to the league is the second time overall for the Crusaders with the other happening in 2013.
The Bulldogs (6-4-1, 1-1 SCAC) were on the attack early getting many shooting chances along with corner kicks, but could not capitalize. Dallas countered and would get the go-ahead goal at the 12:16 mark by Maddie Rodriguez (Houston, Texas) from a corner kick by Gigi Garcia Orozco (San Antonio, Texas). Orozco took the corner from the left side and found Rodriguez for a quick touch inside the box.
It was the first goal for Rodriguez this season and second of the sophomore's career. Orozco picked up her fourth assist.
After TLU looked to answer, the Crusaders countered again and Alyssa Mencacci (League City, Texas) found Monica O'Donnell (Lincoln, Neb.) about six minutes later to double the margin. Mencacci didn't add to her team-lead in goals but is the leader on the squad for points (12). O'Donnell scored her second goal of the season on consecutive Sundays.
The Bulldogs seemed to have a strong chance moments later beating the UD defense but were called offside. Each team was off twice in the game. Despite a 7-2 edge in shots for the Bulldogs and taking all seven of its corner kicks in the game, it was the road squad up at halftime for the third straight match.
TLU matched its shot total in the final 45-minute stanza, but only were successful at getting one shot on goal. Olivia Severson (La Crosse, Wis.) made the save for her lone one in 90 minutes. The senior goalkeeper produced another clean sheet for her ninth of her career and has been part of all four this season for UD.
The triumph for the Crusaders was the first over Texas Lutheran since October 16, 2015, in Irving (Last year's SCAC Quarterfinal UD tied and advanced on PK's). Dallas won for the first time in Seguin since these teams began playing in the SCAC in 2013. It was the first home loss of the season for the Bulldogs.
Dallas finishes the season-long, five-game road trip at 3-2.
SOCIAL MEDIA
#UDCRUSADERS WIN! Some check marks for this conference result...
— UDallas Athletics (@UDallasSports) October 6, 2019
- Another shutout ☑️
- Mencacci Point ☑️
- Goal(s) in 1st Half ☑️
- #SCACwsoc Weekend Sweep ☑️#WeAreUD #d3soc #UDallas pic.twitter.com/PJy0t3L0PN
UP NEXT
Dallas returns home for the first time in three weeks and open a five-game home stand. October 11 begins the home stretch with Austin College. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.