Game_Notes
San Marcos, Texas – The Texas State soccer team (8-5-0, 2-1-0 SLC) will embark on a two-game road trip this weekend when it travels to Lamar (4-8-1, 2-2-0 SLC) and McNeese State (4-9-1, 1-2-1 SLC). The Bobcats are coming off a perfect homestand last weekend, beating Central Arkansas 1-0, and Northwestern State 2-0.
The two shutouts last weekend gives Texas State six on the year, tops in the Southland Conference. The Bobcats are also 19th in the nation in save percentage at .865, a mark that also ranks first in the SLC. So what is the secret to the good play in the back? It actually stems from the 2007 season when Texas State surrendered 45 goals that year.
“We defend as a whole team,” head coach Kat Conner said. “We work primarily to stop penetration. In 2007 we gave up 45 goals and we said that wouldn't happen again. Every year we aim to only give up around 10 goals for the whole season.”
Through 13 games this year, the Bobcat defense has allowed exactly 10 goals.
While some fans might think the Bobcats will have the advantage in both matches this weekend, coach Conner is aware of the problems both teams present.
“Lamar is having a good conference season. I'm expecting a tough game there, and we'll have to play well in order to steal one.”
The Cardinals have shuffled through three goalies this year, and appear to have found a keeper. Jennifer Gibbs has the best record of the three at 4-5-1, including two shutouts on the year over Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana. Offensively Lisa Hance can pose some problems up front as she leads the team with 10 points (5G, 0A).
On Sunday Texas State will have to be very strategic in trying to figure out how to get good looks at the goal. According to Conner, the Cowgirls won't allow many easy goals.
“McNeese is well organized in the back and it is very tough to get in behind them.”
With Britney Curry leading the Bobcats in scoring on the year with 10 points (5G, 0A), it's safe to say that the Cowgirls will key on her, which hopefully leads to open looks for more players.
“We have been working to get multiple girls involved and get at least three runs going, Connor said.” “When you can have waves of three, it gives you a choice of who you want to get the ball to.”
Following this weekend Texas State will return home for its final homestand of the regular season as it takes on Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana, Oct. 22&24. After the game on Sunday against Southeastern Louisiana, there will be a Senior Day ceremony highlighting the contributions of Britney Curry, Jessica Elting, Anna Fagan and Ashley Gowda.
