ABILENE, Texas – McMurry Women's Soccer was in danger of losing an 11-game undefeated streak against Sul Ross State on Homecoming Saturday in Abilene, but scored two goals in a second half rally to win in regulation, 2-1.
In a matchup of two teams on opposite sides of the American Southwest Conference standings, the Lobos (1-8, 0-7 ASC) seemed to be the clear underdog. But that did not matter, as the Lobos found the net just over 10:00 into the game to take a 1-0 lead.
The War Hawks (10-2-2, 5-0-2 ASC) were taking shots, but the Lobos clung to their one-goal lead and held it through halftime. In the second half, McMurry woke up and owned a 9-1 shot advantage, becoming the aggressor.
Sophomore Kylee Smith leveled the score in the 68th minute, heading one past a diving keeper to tie things at 1-1. Her header came inside the box on a cross from the left boundary by freshman Jaelynn Portillo.
With momentum seemingly on its side, McMurry knew it would need to score at least one more to avoid a disappointing result, but also had to battle the clock. Finally, the right opportunity came along with under 5:00 to go.
Sophomore Makayla Pearson took a free kick pass and drove in into the attacking third, maneuvering to the middle of the field about 60 yards out. She kicked a lead pass ahead to her right, which would ricochet off senior Meriah Sikora's diving foot and into the path of freshman Emily Holland. Holland charged towards the box from the right side, took a dribble and finished with her right foot for the game-winner.
The win extended McMurry's win streak to five games. The War Hawks are 9-0-2 in their last 11 games and currently have a 6-0-1 record at Wilford Moore Stadium.
McMurry moves into third place in the ASC standings following the win, trailing just Hardin-Simmons (7-0, 21 pts.) and Concordia Texas (6-1, 18 pts.). The War Hawks have yet to play either team and remain one of just two remaining teams unbeaten in ASC games alongside crosstown rival HSU.
The top four teams in the standings will all play each other as the regular season comes to a close. McMurry's final stretch begins with fourth place Mary Hardin-Baylor on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. in Belton.
