Islanders Topped by ACU after Chippy Affair

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Five bookings and 32 fouls were called in a contentious battle between the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi soccer program and Abilene Christian on Sunday, but the Wildcats finished on top 2-1 in a drizzly afternoon at Dugan Stadium.
 
The Islanders (3-5-2, 2-3-1 SLC) fell behind 2-0 when they attempted to mount a late comeback against ACU (6-5-1, 2-3 SLC). A score by senior Larissa Fagundes in the 60th minute trimmed the deficit to 2-1, and A&M-Corpus Christi had a few good opportunities down the stretch but just couldn't find the equalizer.
 
"This weekend is my love-hate relationship with soccer. You can be the better team in two games and not get the result you deserve due to decisions. I could not be prouder of the ladies," said head coach Craig Shaw.
 
The Wildcats got on the board early with a goal in the fifth minute. They made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute after a penalty shot was awarded after a hand ball was called in the box.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi got a spark on Fagundes' goal. It came on a free kick just outside the box from the left corner. Fagundes hooked it past the keeper into the far right side to get the team on the board.
 
Fagundes nearly did it again on a set pieces play in the 63rd minute, but her shot hammered into the right post and was cleared away from danger. The Islanders had one last opportunity in the 84th minute, but a shot from freshman Olivia Alvarez was saved.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi fired 10 shots in the game with six of them on goal. Fagundes recorded a team-high three shots, while senior Abby Deakin and freshman Maggie Murray each took a pair. Senior Celia Hilsabeck and sophomore Alana Mangan also tallied shots.
 
Senior goalkeeper Kyleigh Hall saved seven shots in net. She was supported by freshman Emma Herrera who logged 90 minutes on the back line. Reigning SLC Defensive Player of the Week winner Reese Cross got the start and played 39 minutes.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi and ACU have now split the last two meetings after the Islanders won 2-1 in 2019.
 
The Islanders are in the midst of a seven-game home stand, the longest in program history. It will continue on Friday when they host Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.
 
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