Women's Soccer | 8/16/2024 1:08:00 PM
Box Score Lady Stallions Battle Hard in Season Opener but Fall to Prairie View A&M
By Rev. Justin C. Jackson (SID)
Last night, the Lady Stallions of North American University kicked off their soccer season with a thrilling match against Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. The build-up to the game was intense, and the atmosphere did not disappoint, with a crowd full of PVAMU's football team, family, friends, and dynamic coaches leading the cheers.
The game started at a fast pace, with PVAMU employing a strategy of sending the ball to the corners for crosses. However, NAU's midfielders quickly adjusted, stepping back to support the defense and keeping PVAMU on their toes. Just three minutes into the game, a hard challenge by an NAU defender led to a penalty kick for PVAMU. Their captain immediately called upon Medinat Lawal, one of the SWAC's hardest and most accurate kickers. Lawal wasted no time, sending a laser to the upper right corner that would have challenged even the best goalkeepers.
As the first half continued, the Lady Stallions found their rhythm, staying calm and letting the game come to them. Special recognition goes to goalkeeper Ava Wilson, who made two consecutive saves that were nothing short of spectacular. Her efforts were so impressive that she received a standing ovation from the PVAMU football team, who applauded her for the incredible saves. Despite her heroics, the first half ended with PVAMU leading 1-0.
In the second half, NAU shifted to a possession game, baiting PVAMU into overloading on one side. This allowed Ashley Dodd to sneak into PVAMU's back line and deliver a perfect pass to Jerusalem Morris, who scored in the 50th minute to tie the game. However, just two minutes and 37 seconds later, PVAMU's Jasmari Nolasc
o found Emily Apodaca, who scored the decisive goal.
The final 25 minutes were a battle of attrition, with both midfields digging in and setting the lines of what felt like soccer trench warfare. Despite the Lady Stallions' best efforts, PVAMU, a Division I team, held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Key Stats:
- Goals:
- Saves:
- Ava Wilson (NAU): 9 saves
- Medinat Lawal (PVAMU): 6 saves
Scoring Summary:
- 3rd Minute: Medinat Lawal (PVAMU) – Penalty Kick
- 50th Minute: Jerusalem Morris (NAU) – Assisted by Ashley Dodd
- 52nd Minute: Emily Apodaca (PVAMU) – Assisted by Jasmari Nolasco
Shout out to Coach B. Doze, Coach J. White, Mr. Greer, and all the dedicated members of NAU who hit the road to show their unwavering support. Your presence means everything to our athletes.
Now, to all NAU members and fans, we need you to bring that same energy to our home field this Saturday for a soccer doubleheader against Arlington Baptist University. The Lady Stallions will kick off at 5:00 PM, followed by the men at 7:30 PM.
Don't just talk that NAU talk, we need you to Stallion Walk that Walk. Around campus, the question is always asked: "How are the sports teams doing?" Don't just compare your university to your hometown or country, come to the games and see for yourself. Plus, we have giveaways at every home game, and NAU members get in free! So, what's the hold-up? Please support your athletic programs and the student-athletes involved. We need more school spirit and more bodies in the stands. No excuses, period.
Hoooooooooves Upppppppp!!! And GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STALLIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
