Guerra, Lonsberry lift women's soccer to road win

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Mustangs Earn Road Win Over Colorado State, 1-0
Freshman Guerra Records First Career Goal

Sept. 12, 2014

DALLAS (SMU) – On a chilly afternoon in Fort Collins, Colorado, the SMU women’s soccer team toppled the Colorado State Rams, 1-0, to win its second consecutive match.

With temperatures in the low 40s, Friday night’s game was by far the coldest game of the year so far for the Mustangs.

“It was a tough environment. High altitude, cold weather, long grass,” said Head Coach Chris Petrucelli. “But, we fought hard and were able to overcome the elements.”

SMU (3-4-0, 0-0-0 AAC) went ahead 1-0 in the 21st minute when freshman Lauren Guerra gathered a rebound and beat Colorado State goalkeeper Jesse McGinley. The score was Guerra’s first of her career.

“We’re looking for people to step up, especially with the absence of Vanessa (Valadez),” said Petrucelli. “Lauren is one player we’re certainly hoping can fill that role.”

In the 34th minute, SMU had an opportunity to push its lead to two, when sophomore Taylor Barg sent in a dangerous corner kick, but no one was there to finish on the back post.

Colorado State (1-4-0, 0-0-0 MWC) had its best chance of the half in the 36th minute, when substitute Jessica Jochheim lofted a long shot that went high of the target.

The Mustangs controlled the possession for most of the first half and outshot the Rams, 6-4, in the opening segment. SMU also had two corner kicks, while Colorado State had zero.

In the second half, the Mustang defense, led by senior Olivia Elliott, thwarted any attack that Colorado State could put together in the early part of the half.

In the 71st minute, SMU had a chance to extend its lead to two when a Barg corner kick found the head of freshman Claire Oates, but her shot was saved by McGinley.

Late in the game, the Rams had a barrage of opportunities, but junior goalkeeper Lissi Lonsberry made several key stops to protect the SMU lead. In the 76th minute, Lonsberry made a kick save on a low shot from Colorado State’s Jochheim. Minutes later, in the 82nd minute, Lonsberry stopped a header from the Rams’ Jami Vaughn.

Lonsberry, who notched for second shutout of the season, recorded six saves for SMU, while senior forward Shelby Redman led the team in shots with three.

With a mid-October road trip to Cincinnati, Friday's game might not be the only time the Mustangs play in frigid conditions.

“Knowing that we can handle whatever is thrown at us builds confidence,” said Petrucelli.

The Mustangs will have the rest of the weekend off before returning to Texas for two matches next weekend. On Friday, Sept. 19, SMU heads to Fort Worth to take on in-state rival TCU at 7 p.m. CT. The Mustangs then return to Westcott Field on Sunday, Sept. 21 for an afternoon contest against Gonzaga.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Nice to get a win on the road in trying conditions!