Oct. 2, 2011
Final Stats
Laredo, Texas - Texas A&M International took a huge step forward Sunday afternoon, defeating conference foe Newman for the first time in program history. The win also marks the second ever victory for the women's soccer team in Heartland conference play. Shelby Williams scored twice for TAMIU, as the Dustdevils came away with a hard fought 2-1 win at Dustdevil Field.
"We really wanted to get that first win over Newman," said Williams. "We've been trying to adjust a new style this year and it seems to really be paying off. We came out very determined this afternoon and everyone did their jobs exactly how they were supposed to."
The new style Williams spoke of relies on playing more out of the backfield, emphasizing ball control instead of long passes. The strategy was effective from the very first whistle as Williams found herself one-on-one deep on Neman's side of the field, in only the sixth minute of the game. The defender was forced to foul Williams inside the box setting up a penalty kick for the Dustdevils. "There were no hesitations about letting Shelby take the PK," said Head Coach Claudio Arias. "She is a gifted player and we knew she would capitalize on the opportunity." Williams indeed capitalized, sending the shot easily passed the keeper and putting the Dustdevils up 1-0. The TAMIU defense was stellar for the remainder of the first half, led by keeper Noemi Salazar who had three saves in the first 45 minutes.
Only three minutes into the second half TAMIU was dealt a tremendous blow. Alejandra Cabrera was issued a red card and ejected from the game. Despite the injury, Cabrera was the only player sent to the sideline and the Dustdevils were forced to play shorthanded for the remainder of the game. Nevertheless, TAMIU was able to add to their lead just two minutes later. Williams looked to be online for her second goal of the game, but was taken down just outside the box and awarded a free kick. From 20 yards out, Williams sent a phenomenally placed strike over the wall of defenders, catching the underside of the cross-bar and into the net. "The keeper was lined up to my left and the wall to my right," said Williams. "I lined up the shot right through the middle and was able to hit it well."
In the 64th minute, the Jets were able to get one goal back, but that's all the TAMIU defense would allow. Keeper Noemi Salazar finished with three saves in the match, bringing her season total to 45. "We are really proud of these girls," said Coach Arias. "That's a very good team they just beat and they did it playing the second half with only ten players. Everyone was pulling double duty for the final 40 minutes and getting a win is a huge reward for all the effort we had to put in."
TAMIU improves to 1-1 in conference play 2-6-1 overall. Thursday, October 6th the ladies hit the road for a three-game road trip taking on Dallas Baptist, St. Edwards and U.T. Brownsville.
