Soccer Fights Central Arkansas to Tight Finish, Falls 2-1

Story Headlines
- Despite a variety of off-pitch factors hampering the Islanders' available personnel -- ranging from tonsillitis to a family emergency -- the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi University soccer program (5-5-3, 2-3-2 Southland) put on a magnificent performance Friday evening against Central Arkansas (11-3-1, 6-1 Southland), eventually coming up just short to the Southland's second-ranked squad by a 2-1 mark.
- Even with a pair of the squad's leading goal-scorers out due to off-pitch issues, the Islanders managed to compile a competitive offensive showing as sophomore Celia Hilsabeck and freshmen Dana Curtis and Reaghan Lang combined for eight shots, three on goal.
- In a burst of unprecedented speed, sophomore Kayla Gove outmaneuvered nearly the entire Sugar Bear back line as she notched her second goal of the season, rocketing a decisive kick past the UCA goalkeeper's left side just 19' into the match.
- Sophomore Kyleigh Hall, who tied a school record for single-match saves last Friday at Abilene Christian, returned between the pipes Friday evening, grabbing six saves with two goals allowed.

Key Islander Statistics
- The Islanders consistently challenged one of the conference's top defensive squads throughout Friday's match, trailing the Sugar Bears marginally across nearly every category. The final statistics showed a UCA lead in shots (16-13) and shots on goal (8-5) while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi edged on corner kicks (4-3).
- After falling behind by a 2-1 margin midway through the second half, a late Islander corner kick saw Hilsabeck power a kick past the Central Arkansas keeper, granting A&M-Corpus Christi a tie match. Following a quick discussion, though, the game officials called off the goal due to an offiside Islander.
- For the first time this season, four Islanders competed for the entirety of the 90-minute match, including Hall and a trio of her defenders -- senior Kaitlyn Joy, sophomore Megan Dodd and freshman Marina Davidson.

Up Next
- The Islanders wrap up the three-match home stretch Sunday afternoon against Northwestern State, facing off with the Demons at 1:00 p.m. Fans can find the 2018 promotional schedule HERE. The game will be broadcast live on the Islanders Digital Network, powered by AEP Texas.

Stay Social
- For more information on Islanders women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersSoccer), Instagram (@IslandersSoccer) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Soccer).

 

Islanders Head Coach Craig Shaw followed up tonight's close loss to UCA with a one-on-one interview. Get the full scoop on the match from coach's perspective right here:#ShakasUp pic.twitter.com/O0gGRh3bbj

— Islanders Soccer (@IslandersSoccer) October 13, 2018