Esparza's Strike Gives UD a Hard Fought Draw
September 24, 2023
IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas women's soccer team played McMurry University in a non-conference match on Sunday. They battled the Warhawks to a 1-1 draw to improve to 2-5-1 on the year.
The Crusaders have had the unfortunate luck of playing in sweltering conditions in front of their home crowd this year, with this afternoon being the third time this season they have played in triple digit heat at home. It was clear early on that the heat would be the biggest influence on the match, as fatigue rapidly set in for both teams.
Both teams struggled to maintain control of the ball, as movement off the ball quickly became an arduous task in the stifling sun. Emily Holland and Jaelynn Portillo of the Warhawks were seemingly unaffected by the temperature and caused a world of issues for the Dallas back line almost entirely on their own. McMurry enjoyed the lion's share of scoring opportunites as a result of Holland's pace, as she continuously blew by the Dallas defenders.
Though UD bent, they did not break in the first half. Alison Zilafro made a handful of stellar saves to ensure the match was still scoreless at halftime.
The second half got off to a disastrous start for Dallas, as Holland finally found her breakthrough on a quick counter and netted the first goal of the game not even two minutes into the half. Ella Charles, having just taken over duties between the sticks at the half, came off her line for the one-on-one challenge and got a touch on the ball, but couldn't keep it out of the net.
With weary legs, things were looking bleak for Dallas as they struggled to create any meaningful chance on goal. But a moment of brilliance by Claire Reed and Kim Esparza (pictured) brought the Crusaders back from the brink of defeat. Off a throw in, Reed received the ball and dribbled past two defenders with her back to goal, quickly turning to her left to center the ball to Esparza just outside the box. Esparza took one touch and rifled a shot at goal that dipped just under the crossbar and out of the keepers reach for the first goal of her UD career, leveling the game in the 80th minute.
Haley Cline nearly put the Crusaders on top in the dying minutes with a difficult headed chance from about 14 yards out, but it nestled safely into the hands of McMurry keeper Cortlynn Boone. It was the last scoring opportunity of the match.
Up Next
The Crusaders have one more preseason match before the start of conference play, though they will be facing a conference opponent. They will face Austin College on the road for one final tune-up on Sept. 29 at 6:00 pm.