JONESBORO, Ark. (10/20/12) – The Arkansas State soccer team celebrated
senior day at the ASU Soccer complex with a 5-4 victory over Florida
Atlantic on Saturday.
The Red Wolves improved to 10-7-1 on the season, and 4-4-1 in Sun Belt
Conference play. This is the first 10-win season in school history for
the Red Wolves, and it guarantees ASU will finish with its first winning
season in school history.
“I am very proud that these girls are the first Arkansas State team to
finish the year with a winning season,” ASU head soccer coach Tafadzwa
Ziyenege said. “It says a lot about their character. “
ASU started the scoring in the 16th minute with a goal from freshman
forward
Katey Carmichael with a shot off of a rebound from the post. ASU
wasted little time in adding to the lead when Carmichael placed a shot
from the right side into the back of the net after receiving a cross
from
Katie Hosea in the 17th minute.
The Owls scored three goals before the end of the half to take a 3-2
lead. Amunique Scott scored first for the FAU in the 24th minute.
Natalia Hernandez added the equalizer in the 36th minute on a rebound
that bounced off of goalkeeper
Audrey Baldwin. Nina Mas scored in the
44th minute on a similar play to give the Owls the lead at halftime.
Senior Aja Aquirre entered the game as the Red Wolves goalkeeper at the
start of the second half, taking over for starting goalkeeper Audrey
Baldwin. Fellow senior
Ashley McMurtry brought the Red Wolves back to
even in the 58th minute, putting the ball in the back of the net after
her shot bounced off the crossbar.
The two teams traded goals with Ellie Smith scoring for the Owls in the
63rd minute on a shot from the top of the box.
Christina Fink would
strike next for the Red Wolves, putting a header in the back of the net
on a cross from McMurtry in the 66th minute, to even the score at 4-4.
Junior
Kristina Rivera scored the game winning goal in the 85th minute,
receiving a pass from Jordan Adam, and placing the ball into the corner
of the goal.
Following the game, seniors Aja Aquirre,
Mallory McGilvray, and Ashley
McMurtry were honored as part of the Senior Day activities.
“They came in and elevated our team to the level that it is,” said
Ziyenge of his three seniors. “I am extremely sad we won't have them
next year, but so happy for what they have done for us this year.”
The Red Wolves wrap up regular season conference play with a road match against UALR on Friday, October 26.
