Bringing their home game sequence to a close, women’s soccer navigated two tough matches this weekend. Friday’s game against Centenary College ended Dallas’ five game shutout streak.
After a disheartening first half, Centenary led 2-0. However, Dallas managed a strong recovery in the second half. Freshman Bella Luna scored her inaugural collegiate goal at the 47-minute mark, according to University of Dallas Athletics.
After several close attempts by the Crusaders, Luna tied the score with her second goal, following an assist from sophomore Monica O’Donnell. Eight cards were handed out over the course of the game. Dallas was dealt a red card in the 67th minute, leaving the Crusaders down a player for the remainder of the time. Consequently, Centenary sealed their victory with a goal at 72 minutes.
Goalie Olivia Severson tallied two saves.
Following their first conference loss, the Crusaders rebounded on Sunday versus conference team University of St. Thomas. Additionally, Sunday was selected to specifically honor Dallas’ four seniors.
After a scoreless first half, Taylor Knochenhauer scored her first collegiate goal at the 70-minute mark. Dallas tallied their second goal nine minutes later, coming from senior Victoria Salazar, assisted by senior Gaby Gonzalez. St. Thomas snuck in a goal in the final two minutes, but Dallas ultimately carried the day.
“A win is always exciting…but a win on senior day is even better.” Coach Lexi Stinson said. “We are grateful to our four seniors for all they’ve given to this program. Tori, scoring a goal on senior day was an added bonus. Our whole team was thrilled.”
On the men’s side, Friday brought a hard-fought loss against Centenary College.
Chima Ogueri scored for Dallas late in the first half. Centenary tallied two goals late in the second half, securing their win. Dallas had several solid opportunities, but narrowly missed all of them.
Coach David Hoffmann said, “Centenary was a tough one to accept. Things looked very good when we were up 1-0 and we were awarded a penalty kick…which we missed narrowly. Our goal keeper then dislocated his shoulder. He tried to continue, but ultimately could not. Our sub came in cold and made a mistake playing out of the back.”
Men’s soccer also celebrated their seniors during Sunday’s game against the University of St. Thomas.
St. Thomas scored at the 40-minute mark and followed this with two further goals in the second half, sealing their shutout.
Dallas only managed four shots on goal, compared to eleven by St. Thomas. Goalie Sean Carlin tallied eight saves during the match.
“[University of St. Thomas is a] very talented team in my opinion,” Hoffmann said. “We had a good tactical set up and did well through the first half. We ultimately had to chase the game. High risk, high reward tactics. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance we hoped for. The boys showed some positive play and seem to be mentally solid.”
Both teams head out for two final away games next weekend against Trinity University and Schreiner University to wrap up their seasons before conference.
