Box Score
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HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Sam Houston State soccer created its share of opportunities but could not slow down Abilene Christian, falling 2-0 in the finale home match of the season at Prtichett Field on Sunday afternoon. The loss effectively eliminated the Bearkats chances of qualifying for the Southland Conference Tournament, one season after reaching the league tournament championship match.
Sam Houston (2-15-1, 2-7-1 Southland) closes out its season on Friday at Stephen F. Austin. First touch is scheduled for 7 p.m. with the match streaming on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app. Abilene Christian (8-8-2, 7-2-1 SLC) ends its year on Friday at Incarnate Word.
First Half
After keeping Abilene Christian in check early on, the Wildcats got on the board in the 31st minute as Alyssa Gerner beat a defender inside the 18-yard box and sent a shot to the upper left portion of the net past a diving Anna Kaiser. The goal was her second of the season and came on the Wildcats fourth shot on goal of the match. Sam Houston managed eight shots, with two coming on goal, during the opening 45 minutes. In the first minute, the Kats created a corner kick opportunity as Bailey Strong sent a shot in to Jordan Jarzombek, whose header sailed wide. In the closing seconds of the half, the Kats were presented possibly their best chance, but Megan Bennett's shot was secured by ACU goalkeeper Sydney Newton, one of two during the first half. Kaiser recorded three saves for Sam Houston. The Bearkats had four corner kick chances in the first half, a vast improvement after having just one during the entire match on Friday against Incarnate Word.
Second Half
The Kats opened the second half with more chances, creating a corner kick in the 49th minute, resulting in a Kaylee Davis shot that sailed high. Moments later, however, Abilene Christian extended its lead, using a header from Shay Johnson side the six-yard box on a cross from Gerner for her fifth goal of the season. Sam Houston fired back with a breakaway opportunity but could not cash in on excellent back-to-back shots from Kaylee Davis and Taylor Pritchard in the 55th minute, only to see the ball blocked away and shoot wide. In the 72nd minute, Madison Cannon crossed a ball from the right side on a breakaway to Allie Johnson, whose header sailed just high. Moments later, Cannon launched a shot that was just blocked away by the keeper, providing the Kats another corner.
KEY STATS
Sam Houston outshot Abilene Christian 20-12, including 7-5 in shots on goal but could not find the net for the third time in four games. The Kats finished the year 1-5 at home with the lone victory coming against Lamar in double-overtime fashion on Oct. 2.
QUOTABLES
Head coach Tom Brown on the result…
“I thought we competed better than we did Friday night. I was glad to see that. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a goal in. I thought we had a couple good chances and just for whatever reason, it's not falling for us right now. The players did come out and compete a lot hard. That does say some good things about their character and their pride.”
Head coach Tom Brown on second half offensive production…
“I thought Madison Cannon created a lot of opportunities down the right side for us. I thought in the first half we were getting our opportunities there too. We had some decent combination play with the front runners in the middle. If we could have gotten one, maybe we would have seen a few others fall.”
Head coach Tom Brown on the senior class…
“I think several of these players have done great things for us. A.J. got in right from the start and scored a lot of goals over her four years. The other players have not always been starters for us but they've all had important roles. I think that whole group has done very valuable things for our program.”
Senior Jordan Jarzombek on the last game at Pritchett…
“It's definitely bitter sweet. This is definitely my home and not playing here ever again will be a little difficult to handle. I have a great coaching staff and team and I have been blessed to play with them and be a part of this program.”
Senior Jordan Jarzombek on the upcoming road match at SFA…
“This year hasn't been the best for us. It's hard to keep your heads level but it's our last game against our biggest rival. We want to come in strong knowing that we can beat them if we play our game.”
