STEPHENVILLE – ACU Women’s Soccer battled throughout but came up short in a 2-0 loss to Tarleton State University at the Tarleton Soccer Complex. Despite ACU’s efforts to control the pace and generate chances, an early scoring surge from Tarleton made the difference.
Tarleton took advantage of two quick goals within the opening 15 minutes, establishing a lead that ACU worked hard to close. The Wildcats responded with increased offensive pressure, recording four of their six total shots in the second half. ACU kept possession for more than half the game and challenged Tarleton’s defense with multiple scoring attempts, including shots by Taylor Sarver, Malia Cerdonand Chayse Thornwho each tried to break through the opposing defense.
Late in the game, Baylie Simon delivered ACU’s only shot on target, forcing Tarleton’s goalkeeper into a save in the 86th minute. Goalkeeper Emma Konsmowho entered in the second half, added two saves of her own to help ACU stay competitive until the final whistle.
“We conceded two early goals which put us chasing the game,” said head coach Stephen Salas. “The second half we connected and combined better, putting some shots off the post. We had to make adjustments due to some key injuries this season but kept fighting and coming together around our core values.”
This game marked the conclusion of the season for the ACU Wildcats, capping off a year filled with both challenges and growth. Despite a determined effort and glimpses of their potential, the Wildcats were unable to secure a postseason spot. Throughout the season, The Wildcats were able to break the draw record of 8 ties in one season, passing California Baptist who set the record in the Western Athletic Conference in 2023 with six. ACU was one of four teams in the country to have 8 ties this year (as of October 25, 2024). The final game against Tarleton demonstrated the Wildcats’ commitment, as they maintained possession, created scoring chances, and fought to close an early deficit.
“We had a wide variety of players step up which is what excites us for next season,” Salas said. “We know we need to continue to grow and this group of returners will honor the senior’s continuous hard work and legacy by doing just that.”
Morocco
