The University of Central Arkansas women’s soccer team defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves Sept. 1 at the A-State Soccer Park in Jonesboro.
With junior Alex Moore scoring the winning shot, assisted by senior Shelby Wilson, the Bears won with the final score of 1-0, while going into overtime, making this their third win of the season.
“There were only a few minutes left in the half. [Senior] Allie Coleman sent in a ball from a free kick. [Junior] Dayna Mounie got a hold of it but it bounced off the crossbar to [senior]Shelby Wilson who sent in a perfect ball in the air. I went for it and knocked it in with my head,” Moore said. “I knew time was running out, and when I saw the ball coming towards me I knew it was the perfect opportunity to finish the game and that I had to do everything I could to get a piece of it. I’m happy we could walk away with the win.”
The game soon became an endurance test, with both teams playing offensively, sending the game into overtime.
“In-state rivalries are always a battle,” said Coleman. “This was our first game that went into overtime this season and I think pulling out the win against such a strong team is just gaining momentum for the potential we have for this season.”
Associate head coach Derek Nichols spoke about the Bears. “This team has so much heart and fighting through double overtime just shows how bad we want to go all the way this year. We got off to a bit of a slow start, allowing Arkansas State to get off a few shots early, but once we settled in we were able to take control of the match. We had 20 shots in regulation, so we were creating our chances for sure, we just weren’t able to put it in the back of the net until overtime,” Nichols said. “All in all, once we got going we felt really good about the way we played and like what we are seeing from the team.”
The coaching staff are already aiming their sights on the future, moving on from this win.
“We look forward to heading to Monroe on Sunday,” Nichols said.
The Bears run onto the pitch Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. against Kansas State.
“Keeping this momentum going, and getting another road win before we come home next Friday night against Big 12 opponent Kansas State. We look forward to being back home next week and hope to see a huge crowd Friday night,” Nichols said.
The Bears are now 4-2 for the season, with a win against University of Louisiana at Monroe. They shut them out 2-0. The Bears have shut out the past two teams.
