The Loyola women’s soccer team headed into the first weekend of play with confidence and left with an undefeated record.
After a 0-0 tie against Freed-Hardeman in Jackson, Miss., on Friday night, the team collected its first victory of the season with a 3-2 win over the University of Texas at Tyler in Shreveport on Sunday afternoon.
Regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods were not enough for either team to score in Jackson. The ‘Pack dominated shooting throughout the match allowing only four shots on goal while taking 24. Head Coach Emmy Therrell said she was pleased with the shooting dominance and effort of the defense.
“The defense was very solid. It’s rewarding as a coach to see players, particularly in the backline, do so well together,” Therrell said. “The defense has to be very organized, play conservatively and make as few mistakes as possible.”
According to Therrell, the team’s only problem was failing to put one of their 24 shots in the back of the net.
“They played much better than they did in scrimmages or practices. I was impressed with their passes to feet, quick play and teamwork,” she said.
“I was frustrated for them that they could not get the ball in the net because they deserved to win. What matters more to me is to see them reach the heights of unity on the field and that was the overwhelming impression that I had of their passes and communication.”
The ‘Pack solved its finishing problem in the second game of the weekend against UTT by scoring three times. Co-captain Anna Weldon, education senior, began the scoring with a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. Weldon caught the UTT defense sleeping by striking the ball into the net before they could get organized.
“We were pretty close to the goal, and I was standing two feet away from the spot of the foul,” Weldon said.
“I saw that they were unorganized and took advantage of it. I respotted the ball and quickly shot it. I didn’t really have to think about it because I’ve always been taught to do that.”
At the beginning of the second half, Gigi Alford, communications sophomore, made a far post run and finished Weldon’s cross with a powerful header to give the ‘Pack a two goal advantage.
Co-captain Clare Springer, biology junior, capped off the scoring with a one-touch blast from the top of the 18-yard box inside the far post.Alford was credited with the assist as the team worked the ball up the sideline to Springer.
The third goal proved to be the game winner when UTT’s Amber Harrelson scored two goals later in the second half.
“I give my teammates all the credit for getting me the ball,” Springer said. “When I scored it, I said to myself: ‘Well, I guess I got one.’ I had no idea it would be the (game-winner).”
With one win under the team’s belt, Therrell believes that it will take composure under pressure, wiser decision making and shooting the ball with more accuracy to build on the team’s success.
“I feel really positive about the first weekend. I’m having a good time with these young women,” Therrel said. “They are talented, kind and considerate of one another. I’m also glad from a coaching standpoint that I was able to see us in the lead and then see how we handled (the pressure) when the momentum changed.”
The ‘Pack is scheduled to play Louisiana College tonight at 7 p.m. in Pineville, La. The team’s weekend set continues in Jackson, Miss., against Belhaven College on Saturday at 4 p.m.
