Soccer: Minton lifts Cajuns to 2-1 Win Over Northwestern State

Contact: Jeff Schneider

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Senior Melissa Minton’s 81^st minute goal lifted the Ragin’ Cajuns soccer team to a 2-1 win Sunday afternoon over Northwestern State on the road to close out the non-conference slate.

With the win, head coach Scot Wieland picked up his 50th victory at the helm of the Cajuns. Louisiana also finishes the season with a 6-4 record in non-conference play.

“This was a typical in-state rivalry game,’ Wieland said. “Both teams were playing for bragging rights and it came down to the team who wanted it more. In the second half we came together and battled. We had a couple of our players out today and we needed girls to step up. Our team did just that. I am pleased with the win.”

UL (6-5-0, 0-1-0 SBC) was outshot 16-14 in the contest by the Lady Demons (5-5-0) in the contest, while the Cajuns held a 6-4 edge in corners taken.

Senior Kayla Henrie led the squad with three shots in the game including two on frame. Keeper Amanda Moorefield posted seven saves to increase her career win total to 23.

“Our seniors really stepped up and took over in the second half,” Wieland added. “Yet again, Amanda played great in net for us and kept us in the match with some big saves.”

Northwestern State broke the scoreless tie in the 21^st minute when Shelby Balmer knocked in the cross from Taylor Mulnix to give the Demons a 1-0 edge.

Despite holding a 6-4 shot advantage in the first half, the Cajuns would go into the break trailing by the same score.

Hayden Gibson notched her fourth goal of the season on a penalty kick to even the contest at 1-all in the 54^th minute. The penalty kick came after senior Maci Andrus was taken down in the box.

In the 64^th minute, Moorefield made an incredible save on a penalty kick by Northwestern State’s Ashlee Savona to keep the contest tied 1-1.

Minton came through for Louisiana in the 81^st minute as she fired a shot from just inside the 18-yard box into the back of the net for the game-winner. The goal was the third of the season and second game-winner for Minton.

The Cajuns continue conference play as they go on the road next weekend at UALR and Arkansas State to close out a three-match road swing.

— Ragin’ Cajuns —

   Soccer Game Summary (Final)

                             2012 Louisiana Soccer

                Louisiana vs NWLA (Sep 23, 2012 at Natchitoches)

 Louisiana (5-5) vs. NWLA (6-5)

 Date: Sep 23, 2012  Attendance: 122

 Weather:

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot

 ——————————-

 Louisiana………..  0  2 –  2

 NWLA…………….  1  0 –  1

 SCORING SUMMARY:

  1.  20:46 NWLA Balmer, Shelby (Mulnix, Taylor) – cross from outside box, shot at the 6

  2.  53:49 UL Gibson, Hayden Penalty kick

  3.  80:18 UL Minton, Melissa (unassisted) – dribbled up to box, shot

 Shots: Louisiana 14, NWLA 16

 Saves: Louisiana 7 (Moorefield, Amanda 7), NWLA 3 (Bourbonais, Brooke

 3)

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