Schoonover Lifts No. 4 Central Arkansas Over No. 5 Houston Baptist, 1-0
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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Central Arkansas came out on top in a rematch of last season’s tournament semifinal clash. In a matchup of two exceptionally fast attacking teams, the Bears prevailed 1-0 behind freshman Maci Schoonover’s lone second-half goal to punch their ticket to Friday’s semifinal at 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas nearly went ahead 10 minutes in with Dayna Mounie’s frantic close-range shot toeing the entire goal line before slipping out of bounds.
A run up the right side from all-conference forward Autumn Wildung proved a dangerous attack for HBU before her shot was deflected wide right into the side netting with nearly 20 minutes played. By this point, both teams had registered five shots but only one on goal apiece as the defensive lines held strong against fast-paced attacks on both ends.
As the clock passed 15:00 in the first half, UCA began to find its offensive footing, forcing more saves from Alanis Guevara, who seemed to pick up right where she left off after putting on a career tournament performance last season at Dugan Stadium. A good thing for HBU, too, as the Huskies were scarcely able to escape their defensive third.
While the game remained scoreless heading into halftime, the Bears held a healthy advantage on shots, 11-6, while forcing three saves from Guevara. Mounie led the way for the UCA attack, tallying three shots while eight additional players registered shots.
After much of the same back-and-forth action in the second half, Central Arkansas finally struck first at the 16:05 mark. On the assist from all-conference selection Alex Moore, freshman Macy Schoonover controlled the cross and slotted her shot into the roof of the net to give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Almost immediately following the next kickoff, HBU caught a break after giving up a penalty kick - Alex Moore stepped up for the Bears and fired her shot low and wide left to keep the score at 1-0 in favor of UCA.
The Huskies nearly pulled even with a fast break cross from the left side as the clock ticked past five minutes, but Central Arkansas goalkeeper Lauren Mercuri expertly batted away the threat, returning with another point-blank save at the right post just seconds later, helping the Bears hold on for the 1-0 victory.
UCA finished with six saves between Mercuri and first-half keeper Anna Hughes, and outshot the Huskies 20-13. While each team managed six shots on goal apiece, HBU was unable to finish what quality chances they managed in the second half.
Central Arkansas, will take on the winner of the nightcap matchup between No. 1 Lamar and No. 8 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the second semifinal Friday at 7 p.m. on the
Southland Digital Network.