DEER PARK, Texas — The North American University women's soccer team came ready to do some work Saturday night.
The Stallions turned NAU Soccer Field into an offensive showcase, rolling past Texas College 6-1 on October 3 to pick up their second straight Red River Athletic Conference victory.
North American (3-4, 2-1 RRAC) controlled the match from the opening whistle, firing 33 shots with 24 on goal while holding Texas College to just three shots and two shots on frame. The Stallions also owned a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.
In other words: Texas College spent a lot of Saturday night defending.
Three Goals. 5:08. Ballgame.
The Stallions finally cracked the scoreboard in the 27th minute, and once the door opened, NAU kicked it wide open.
At 26:26, Aly Ramos delivered the first punch, scoring her first goal of the season on an unassisted strike.
Less than three minutes later, Genevieve Colon doubled the advantage. Suzette Baltazar provided the setup, and Colon finished it to make it 2-0 at 29:10.
Then Baltazar decided she wanted one for herself.
Just 2:24 later, Baltazar found the back of the net at 31:34, giving North American a 3-0 lead before Texas College could catch its breath.
Three goals in just over five minutes.
NAU wasn't playing around.
Second Half: Same Energy
A three-goal halftime lead wasn't enough.
The Stallions kept pushing after the break, and Leandra Sherifi added another unassisted goal at 63:13 to make it 4-0.
Texas College eventually found its only answer of the night when Karma Iglehart scored at 76:33.
But that goal lasted about as long as a commercial break.
Exactly one minute later, Tanya Rivera answered for North American, restoring the four-goal advantage at 5-1.
Rivera wasn't finished.
At 81:21, she turned provider, setting up Alexia Velazquez for the final goal of the night.
Six goals. Six different scorers. One very busy scoreboard.
Balanced Attack, Busy Net
North American's offensive production was spread throughout the lineup.
Colon, Baltazar and Rivera each recorded a goal and an assist or goal-producing contribution, while Ramos, Sherifi and Velazquez also found the net.
Colon led the Stallions with five shots and four shots on goal. Sherifi also posted five shots and four on frame, while Velazquez finished with five shots and four shots on goal.
Baltazar and Rivera each finished with a goal and an assist.
And the numbers tell the story:
- 33 shots for North American
- 24 shots on goal
- 6 goals
- 9 corner kicks
- 6 different goal scorers
- Texas College held to 3 shots
- Texas College held to 2 shots on goal
That's not just scoring. That's pressure.
Between the Pipes
Goalkeeper Arely Sarabia picked up the win, playing all 90 minutes and recording one save.
The Stallion defense kept Texas College from generating much of anything offensively, allowing just three total shots and one goal.
Meanwhile, Texas College goalkeeper Destiny Bullock was kept extremely busy, finishing with 18 saves despite the six goals allowed.
Stallion Notes
- North American improves to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in RRAC play.
- The Stallions have now won back-to-back conference matches.
- NAU's 33 shots and 24 shots on goal were both season highs.
- Six different Stallions scored.
- Aly Ramos scored her first goal of the season.
- Genevieve Colon recorded a goal.
- Suzette Baltazar finished with a goal and assist.
- Leandra Sherifi added a goal from the back line.
- Tanya Rivera recorded a goal and assist.
- Alexia Velazquez capped the scoring with her first goal of the match.
- NAU won the corner-kick battle 9-1.
- Arely Sarabia earned the victory in goal with one save.
RRAC Recognition Watch
Following strong performances during the week, Genevieve Colon and Leandra Sherifi were nominated for RRAC Women's Soccer Player of the Week honors.
Colon continued to provide a dangerous presence in the attacking third, while Sherifi showed that the Stallions can get production from the defensive side of the pitch as well.
Up Next
The Stallions stay home and return to RRAC action Thursday, October 8, welcoming Texas A&M University-Texarkana to NAU Soccer Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT.
After putting six on the board Saturday, North American will look to keep the conference momentum rolling.
Six goals. Six scorers. Two straight RRAC wins.
Hooves Up.
Sports Information Director: Rev. Justin C. Jackson, M.S.
North American University Athletics
