LAKE CHARLES- In the McNeese soccer return to Cowgirl Field for the first time since the season opener in a game that was canceled just 10 minutes in due to poor field conditions, Havana Johnson led her squad to a 3-1 victory over Central Arkansas Friday night in Southland Conference action.

 Johnson netted two goals and recorded two assists in the Cowgirls first conference win since February 26 when they topped HBU 3-1.  

Friday's match was the first completed home game at Cowgirl Field since October 20, 2019.   

1^st HALF: 

For the majority of the first half UCA controlled possession and played at its own pace and kept the ball on the offensive side of the pitch. This resulted in the Bears earning four corner kicks in the first half. With around ten minutes to go in the half the Cowgirls began connecting passes and creating opportunities through the outside of the field. Both goalkeepers were tested in the first half, McNeese's Emma Roccaforte and Central Arkansas' Reagan McCombs both tallied five saves in the first half.  

"UCA controlled the ball for large portions of the match," said fourth year head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "I thought we did a good job of limiting their dangerous opportunities once we settled into the match, which took us a little too long. We did a better job of being patient and playing under control and that allowed us to gain a bit of momentum.  Our first half subs did a fantastic job of doing exactly what was asked and really turning the game in our favor for the latter part of the first half. " 

2^nd HALF:  

The Cowgirls picked right back up where they left off at the end of the first by attacking the corners and finding crosses where they could. Four minutes into the second half Havana Johnson worked her way into the six and played the ball inside and was finished off the foot of Mariah Ruelas. Ruelas' goal was her first of the season and gave McNeese a 1-0 lead. As the Pokes continued to hold possession Delana Friesen played a ball into Kiana Kukaua, who then assisted Johnson on her fourth goal of 2021. In the 79^th minute the Bears were awarded a corner kick that was taken by Gracie Hair and scored off a header from Abby Gibson. With a 2-1 lead McNeese did not let off the attack and Johnson scored her second goal of the match, this time on the right side of the field assisted by Ruelas.  

"Havana had a huge night," said Fitzgerald. "We spent all week working as a team to create more, and more dangerous, chances.  She really took some of it to heart in terms of looking for her own shot, not over passing around the box and committing to being dangerous.  She had a good week and it turned into a great night for her." 

UP NEXT: 

The Cowgirls will remain home to face league leading Northwestern State on Sunday afternoon. The Lady Demons are yet to lose a match this season and are led by goalkeeper Acelya Aydogmus.  

"Northwestern is probably the most organized unit in the Southland, and they have a very committed group.  We needed to get a little momentum tonight, get a little confidence and I think we did that.  It'll be an entirely different challenge on Sunday, but weathering some difficult moments tonight, maintaining composure and sticking together is what it'll take to pull out a win Sunday."  

STATS: 

Goals: Ruelas (49^th), Johnson (61^st, 84^th), Gibson (79^th) 

Assists: Johnson (1), Kukaua (1), Friesen (1), Hair (1), Ruelas (1) 

Saves: Roccaforte (5), McCombs (8) 

Shots: McNeese 15(11), Central Arkansas 14(7)