TYLER, Texas - The UT Tyler women's soccer program continued their incredible offensive run at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex as the Patriots scored twice in the opening 16 minutes to take down St. Edward's. The Patriots improved to 5-2-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play with the win.
The Patriots wasted little time creating chances, as
Celine Diaz drove the ball into the Hilltoppers' penalty area at the eight and half minute mark. A failed clearance opened up some room for
Ella Anderson who sent a missile from just outside of the box to the top right corner of the net past the keeper to start the scoring for UT Tyler. The goal was Anderson's team leading fourth of the season and ended up being her second game winner as well.
UT Tyler continued to apply pressure just a few minutes later including a shot on goal from
Carson Glenn that forced a save. Then, in the 15th minute Anderson was the one to help create the second goal. The forward started with a solid defensive steal before sending a cross pitch pass to
Celine Diaz, who used a nice move to separate from the defender before sending a low line drive off her boot into the back of the net to give UT Tyler a 2-0 lead. The score was Diaz's second of the season as assist was Anderson picked up her first assist.
UT Tyler remained on the attack throughout the first half even with the lead.
Mayla Dawkins created two solid scoring chances late in the half with two tough shots that required saves from the St. Edward's goalkeeper. The Patriots finished the opening period with a commanding 9-3 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corner kicks.
Anderson continued to lead the Patriots offensively with a game-high three shots and goal, while Diaz made her scoring chances count, sending her lone shot of the evening past the keeper. Dawkins contributed two shots on goal off the bench along with Glenn who also had a shot on target.
The second half saw the Patriots' defense take center stage, limiting St. Edward's to just three second-half shots and only one shot on goal over the final 45 minutes.
Robbi Curry was able to return, after an early exit against Lubbock Christian, as the senior made a pair of saves, including a stop on a point blank shot in the 63rd minute, to secure her fifth shutout of the season.
The Patriots back line was a force once again led by
Samantha White,
Arianna Johnson, and
Savanna Clark. UT Tyler's defenders held St. Edward's to six total shots and just two shots on goal.
The Patriots are certainly taking advantage of their chances at home, outscoring their opponents 20 to 6 at Perkins Soccer Complex, including 8 goals in their last three games. Â
The win is the Patriots fourth Lone Star Conference win of the season as they remain unbeaten at home in league play.
UT Tyler will look to make a jump in the Lone Star Conference standings as they head to Denton as the Patriots face off against Texas Woman's University on Saturday at 6 p.m.
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