The Optimist

Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brian Schmidt Sophomore midfielder Jordan Reese dribbles down the sideline during the second half of ACU's 5-0 victory against McMurry University on Wednesday.

The ACU women's soccer team will take on one of its biggest opponents Friday: Missouri Southern University.

The Missouri Southern Lions are ACU's first nationally ranked opponent and should be the Wildcats' toughest test so far in its inaugural season.

"It will be our biggest test of the season," Pertuit said.

ACU extended its record to 4-1 after beating Division III
opponent McMurry University 5-0 on Wednesday.

ACU outshot McMurry 33-5, and three Wildcats scored at least one goal during the game.

"Our defense is strong again," said assistant coach Thomas Pertuit. "We got a nice shot out."

Junior midfielder Jackie Gentile continued to set the standard by scoring the first goal 20 minutes into the game with the assist from freshman forward Lyndsey Womack. Womack then scored her own goal with an assist from sophomore midfielder Jordan Reese. To end the half, sophomore forward Denise Morgan put away a corner kick from freshman midfielder Sadie Barton to
put the Wildcats up 3-0.

In the first minute of the her second goal of the match after putting away a pass from Reese. And Womack scored her third and final goal off another assist from Reese later on in the match.

Womack recognizes her team is beginning to connect as a whole during the games.

Even though ACU obtained another victory, head coach Casey Wilson acknowledges his team's need for numerous improvements.

"I just think we need to make better passes and better decisions," Wilson said. "They just need to continue to work on finishing their shots and work on better possession for Friday's game."

Missouri Southern holds a clean record of 3-0 and are tied with Saint Leo University at No. 19 in the nation according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.

Pertuit realizes his team is up against an elite soccer team, and he said this game will analyze where the Wildcats stand against a high quality soccer program.

ACU will host the Missouri Southern Lions at 5 p.m. on Friday. ACU will also play at home against Ouachita Baptist University
on Sunday at 1 p.m.

E-mail Johnson at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools