NATCHITOCHES, La. - In a battle of the Southland Conference's top two teams, Lamar University's women's soccer team recorded their third straight shutout as two second half goals provided the Cardinals a 2-0 win. LU remains on top of the SLC standings with a 5-0-1 record, which is still the best start in program history.
Carriel Ellis and
Abby Gemza each found the back of the net in the contest with
Arely Alaniz and
Isela Ramirez recording an assist each on the latter's goal. Once again, the reigning Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Week,
Nicole Panis, was able to step up and make four big saves in the second half. All this was achieved despite LU being outshot 13-5 and only having one of the 13 total corner kicks.
For most of the first half, the Cardinals spent time playing defensively as they had to withstand multiple chances by the Demons. NSU managed to control the play putting up five shots and setting up four corner kicks. The Cardinals would not be able to get their first shot off until the 30th minute.
As the second half began, LU had one shot that went wide in the 51st minute. The Demons would continue to create opportunities to score, but were off target on all attempts. All of a sudden, in the 67th minute, Ellis was able to get one past NSU's keeper to provide LU with a 1-0 lead. In the 75th and 78th minutes, the Demons had two chances to equalize, but couldn't get pass the Netherlands' native, Panis. Eight minutes later, Alaniz took the free kick and connected with Ramirez, who headed a pass to Gemza, who iced the win with her first goal of the season.
"As I've said before, winning is hard," said head coach
Nathan Kogut. "I'm very proud of this group for going on the road and playing a very difficult opponent. I tip my hat to NSU on playing a fantastic game, but I am so proud of our girls to come on the road and win in a tough battle. We are happy, but the work this weekend is not done. We quickly turn our attention to Sunday afternoon."
Back at the LU Complex this Sunday, Big Red will meet up with the Lions of Texas A&M-Commerce at 1:00 PM.
