The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions soccer team won two important home matches over the weekend. They edged out St. Edward’s University last Friday evening by a score of 2-1 before downing McNeese State 2-0 Sunday afternoon. The victories ensure the Lions go in to their Lone Star Conference games full of confidence.
Knowing the game would be tough, the Lions actually were down by a goal against St. Edward’s when senior Stacey Copeland connected with a long pass through the center and struck from close range. It took A&M-Commerce 25 minutes to equalize, but they did it with flair.
A cross into the middle of the Hilltopper’s penalty area was poorly cleared to the top, and as a result Lacy Alexander curled a shot into the upper left corner of the net. A superb finish by Alexander meant the game was all square going into halftime.
The winning goal came with just under thirteen minutes to go. A cross from Alexander to the front of the goal area found the head of freshman Emma Stubblefield, who sent the ball trickling across the goal line. The goal was Stubblefield’s first ever for the Lions, and proved to be vitally important.
“I was so excited,” Stubblefield said. “My teammates did really good to get it down there. They saw me down there, so it was my job to finish it. We all did a good job today, but it was an amazing goal.”
The Lions then had to turn around and play another tough opponent in McNeese State University. They were able to score first this time around, however, thanks to junior Meagan Lasley. The speedy winger hopped on a long ball which bounced over a McNeese defender’s head and kept her composure for a calm, nice-and-easy finish. The goal was Lasley’s team leading ninth of the season.
Lasley hooked up with another junior, Whitney Hancock, for the Lions’ second goal of the afternoon. It was her centering pass which Hancock connected with for a one time finish from near the top of the penalty area. That goal ensured a comfortable victory, and made Coach Neil Piper very happy.
“I think we’re just hot right now,” Piper said after the weekend’s action. “I think we’re playing well, we’re getting fitter. I thought we should have won by more, but it’s nice when you can complain about winning.”
With their first of ten conference games coming up, getting two important wins was a huge boost in confidence for Piper’s team.
“I think it proves we can beat anyone, especially at home,” Piper said. “They all worked hard, and it can’t help but help your confidence.”
The Lions will start their conference schedule on Friday, Oct. 3rd when they host Southwestern Oklahoma.