TYLER, TEXAS – The UT Tyler women's soccer team put together a complete performance on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 5-0 victory over Sul Ross State at the Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex in Lone Star Conference action.
The Patriots wasted no time taking control of the match, maintaining possession early and applying consistent pressure on the Lobos' defense. Just over six minutes in, UT Tyler earned a penalty kick after a foul in the box. Sophomore forward Ella Anderson stepped up to the spot and buried her attempt into the lower corner to give the Patriots the early 1-0 advantage.
UT Tyler continued to dictate play, and in the 22nd minute, senior defender Gabrielle Wiebe doubled the lead by slotting home a finish off a crisp assist from Anderson. Less than two minutes later, Anderson struck again, collecting her second goal of the afternoon to make it 3-0.
The scoring surge continued in the 35th minute when junior forward Taylor Thibodeau added her second goal of the season after connecting on a well-placed assist from Marin Love. The Patriots went into halftime up 4-0 after completely controlling the opening frame, outshooting Sul Ross State 27-5 through the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, the Patriots' dominance carried on as they continued to create chances and control the tempo. In the 72nd minute, junior midfielder Katie Wong capped off the scoring with UT Tyler's fifth goal of the match, putting the finishing touches on an all-around impressive offensive showing. The five goals, 47 total shots, and 20 shots on goal marked the most in a single game this season for the Patriots.
UT Tyler fired off 47 total shots while holding Sul Ross State to just seven with two on target. The Patriots also held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks and were in command throughout the afternoon. As for Anderson, she now leads the team with 13 points on the season, pacing the Patriots with five goals and three assists.
The Patriots' defensive unit once again stood tall, recording their eighth shutout of the season. Robbi Curry started the match and played the opening half in goal before Peyton Roberts took over for the second half, with both combining for the clean sheet. The back line, led by Wiebe and company, kept the Lobos' attack quiet for the full 90 minutes.
Anderson led the offense with two goals and an assist, while Wiebe, Thibodeau, and Wong each tallied goals of their own in the dominant effort. The victory improves UT Tyler to 9-2-2 overall and 6-2-2 in Lone Star Conference play.
UT Tyler will return home next Wednesday to take on St. Mary's in another Lone Star Conference matchup at the Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.
