Louisiana records 4-2 win over Red Wolves

LAFAYETTE, La. – Three first half goals carried the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns soccer team to a 4-2 victory over Arkansas State on Sunday afternoon at the Cajuns Soccer Complex.

The Ragin’ Cajuns recorded a 16-12 edge in shots taken, outshooting the Red Wolves 10-6 in the second period. Louisiana placed nine of its 16 shots on goal while Arkansas State had five on target. Junior goalkeeper Lindsey Stocks (2-0-1) recorded her second-straight win, allowing two goals and earning three saves in 67 minutes of action, while Amanda Lee (2-5) was saddled with the loss, allowing three goals while picking up three saves in 68 minutes.

"It was a great home weekend picking up two critical conference wins," said head coach Scot Wieland. "The girls were fantastic the first half today as it was nice to go into the half with a three goal lead. The second half was a bit more interesting as we allowed them to gain momentum and we didn’t cash in on several great scoring opportunities. With that said, I’m proud of their effort and the way they finished the game today."

Louisiana (7-6-2, 2-3-1 SBC) went up early as a cross by senior defender Grace Howell-Harries went off an Arkansas State defender and into the net for an own goal to put the Cajuns up 1-0 in the eighth minute.

In the 20^th minute, junior defender Claire Ruehle recorded her first goal of the season to make it 2-0 Louisiana. Ruehle’s first shot on goal deflected off Lee’s hands before Ruehle took control of the ball once again, this time putting the ball into the net.

The Cajuns defense limited Arkansas State’s attack (4-11-0, 1-5-0 SBC) in the first period, allowing just two shots on goal in the first 45 minutes.

Sophomore midfielder Annika Schmidt added to Louisiana’s advantage in the 36^th minute as she connected off a ball from freshman forward Danielle DeRosa, finding the top left corner of the net for a 3-0 Louisiana lead at the break.

Arkansas State went on the board in the 57^th minute with a strike from Lauren Crimi. Crimi’s shot from the right side of the box hit the left post before rolling into the goal for a 3-1 score.

The Red Wolves continued to trim away their deficit with a score five minutes later to make it 3-2. After a kick by Stocks towards midfield, Brianna Williams sent the ball back towards the goal and found the net from 30 yards out in the 62^nd minute.

However, Arkansas State was held to just one shot the remainder of the game. The Cajuns put it away in the 87^th minute as DeRosa sent the ball through the Red Wolves defense to senior midfielder Tina Sanchez inside the box for a score and a final 4-2.

DeRosa and freshman midfielder Hannah Alba led the Cajuns with three shots apiece while DeRosa and Ruehle both recorded a team-high two shots on goal.

Louisiana hits the road next weekend, traveling to Boone, N.C., to take Appalachian State on Friday with a 7 p.m. (ET) contest before heading west to play Texas State on Sunday at 1 p.m.

— RaginCajuns.com —