Pivotal matches at UIW, Abilene Christian on tap
10/22/2015 11:41:00 AM | Soccer
After a disappointing weekend at home, Sam Houston State soccer hits the road for the final time this regular season, visiting Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word for a pair of pivotal matches in the Southland Conference race.
The Bearkats (7-6-2 overall, 4-3-1 SLC) are tied for fourth in the league standings with Southeastern Louisiana heading into Sunday's 1 p.m. match against Abilene Christian (7-7-2, 6-1-1 SLC). Due to rain, the sqaud's game against Incarnate Word (3-11-2, 1-5-2 SLC) will be Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Sam Houston is seeking its first win since Oct. 4, when the squad downed Lamar 1-0 in Beaumont. Since that time, the Kats have gone 0-2-1, with a pair of losses to Northwestern State and Nicholls and a scoreless tie against the Lions sandwiched between.
“Our big thing is getting the team refocused,” eighth-year head coach Tom Brown said. “We had a bad weekend last weekend. We've tried to get them turned around and excited again. There is still a lot to play for in the next couple weeks.”
Despite the recent struggles, the Bearkats have found ways to win on the road this season, posting a 5-2 mark, including a 2-1 record in league play. Meanwhile, last season's 4-1 win against UIW began a three match win streak during a time the team would only lose one more regular season match in 10 outings.
Sam Houston ranks second in the conference in goals against average (0.80) and shutouts (0.38) but is expected to be tested against an Abilene Christian team leading the way in shots per game (20.62), goals per game (2.50) and assists per game (1.88).
“Abilene Christian can be an explosive team,” Brown said. “They've had some games where they scored a lot of goals. They are always a handful at home so we'll have to be very careful this weekend on the road.”
While Incarnate Word has struggled offensively, Abigail Koenigs has been a bright spot, taking fifth in the league in shots per game (3.50). Cardinals' goalkeeper Sydney Huntington also leads the conference in save percentage (.935) and is second in goals against average (0.61).
“Incarnate Word has a couple special players up top,” Brown said. “They've had some tight games. They aren't a team to be overlooked.”
Sam Houston is led by Mariah Titus and Allie Johnson, who have recorded five and four goals respectively. Titus, alongside Maddy Panozzo are the team leaders with a pair of assists each. Senior goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton is third in goals against average (0.91) and is tied for second with a pair of shutouts.
“No one has really pulled away,” Brown said of the Southland. “Over the last couple weeks, we kept some teams in it by allowing some teams in the lower part of the standings to get some wins against us. It makes for a competitive league. Everyone still has something to get out of the season.”
The Bearkats have just one match remaining following the weekend courtesy of a visit from Stephen F. Austin next Friday at 6:30 p.m. For the latest, follow @SHSUSoccer on Twitter and visit GoBearkats.com.
