LAKE CHARLES - The McNeese Cowgirls began its four-game home stand with a 2-1 victory against Sun Belt Conference member Texas State on Friday night, with the two goals coming from Havana Johnson (7th minute) and Mariah Ruelas (51st. minute).
The win improved the Cowgirls to 2-1 on the young season as they next host the University of Arkansas at 4 on Sunday in a game that will be televised by Cox Sports TV and on ESPN+.
McNeese dominated the offensive side of the field for the first 30 minutes and didn't' take long to take a 1-0 lead on Johnson's unassisted goal. Tangled up with a defender on the offensive side between the edge of the center circle and the penalty arc, Johnson was able to break free and was all along to score her second goal of the season.
Texas State (1-2) tied the game at 1-1 in the 16th minute on a goal by Renny Moore whose shot inched just over the reach of Cowgirl goalkeeper Emma Roccaforte.
"I think the shot was great, I think we let her inside too easy, but once she took that shot it was a great goal by her," said McNeese head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "At half, that's what I told the team, that we are going to give up good goals. It's just how we let it affect us and how we respond to it."
The Cowgirls responded well when in the 51st minute, the sophomore Ruelas netted her first goal of the season with the assist coming from Anna Watson who displayed her flashy foot-work throughout the game.
"Honestly, I have one move and it works every time," the sophomore from Spring, Texas commented. "I fake the shot and cut back. Everyone falls for it every time."
Next up, the Cowgirls will welcome the Razorbacks to Cowgirl Field. It'll be the first-ever SEC opponent for McNeese to host.
"I think for our girls it's an exciting opportunity," said Fitzgerald. "We went up to TCU last weekend and I was surprised to hear from so many people saying that they watched the game who aren't necessarily soccer fans. I think the national stage is going to be good for us. Our job is to show up, compete, and try to steal a win from a very good opponent."
Cowgirl fans that cannot make it out to Cowgirl Field can follow live stats (free) at McNeeseSports.com or watch live at 4pm on Cox Sports TV locally and on ESPN+ for those outside of CST coverage.
Cowgirl Field Rules
Not Allowed in the Stadium:
- Coolers, ice chests, bottles, cans, cups, or containers of any kind
- All bags and purses larger than 4.5in x 6.5 in, unless it is a clear bag and cannot exceed 12in x 6in x 12in.
- Outside food or drink
- Umbrellas
- Baby strollers
- Pets of any kind except for service animals
- Video cameras
- Weapons of any kind, including: guns, knives, and any item deemed inappropriate
- Banners, flag poles, projectiles of any kind, and/or obtrusive or obstructive signage
- Noise makers are PROHIBITED during NCAA playoff games.
Policies:
- All persons must have a ticket for admission
- No smoking in the seating area
- All persons entering the facility are subject to search
- No throwing of objects from the stands
- No portable cooling or heating devices
- Only law enforcement officers may be armed
