The Brownwood Lady Lions remained undefeated in District 4-4A soccer action – and perfect at Gordon Wood Stadium – with a 1-0 triumph over the Mineral Wells Lady Rams Friday night.
Despite owning the momentum throughout much of the contest, the Lady Lions (8-2, 2-0) were unable to light up the scoreboard until 15:06 remained in the contest when Molly Oliver scored the game’s only goal off an assist from Tessa Goodwin, who recently joined the team following the conclusion of basketball season.
“When Tessa came out she told me she was a defensive player, but yesterday at practice I put on her offense just to see what she could do and what she was capable of because I’d never seen her play soccer,” said Lady Lions head coach Alexis Mosqueda. “In practice I saw that she can get these cross balls up in the air, which is exactly what we’ve been lacking this season, and she did that as soon as I put her in. She got the ball right where it needed to be, right at Molly’s feet, and Molly was able to knock it in.”
After defeating Graham, 7-0, in the district opener Tuesday, the Lady Lions entered halftime Friday night in a scoreless tie.
“The girls in the first half came out a little slower than I wanted them to, but they won possession in the first half,” Mosqueda. “At halftime I just told the girls they had to get shots off. As soon as we get one in the back of the goal it’s usually go time from there.”
Defensively, the Lady Lions recorded their fifth shutout at home en route to their 5-0 mark at Gordon Wood Stadium.
“The defense played great,” Mosqueda said. “At the beginning of the game Dusty Van Huss was in the midfield because Watts Jones wasn’t here yet. When Watts got here we put Dusty back on the defense and our defense works great together. They hold their line very well, they have the eyes on the field and they do very well at what they’re supposed to do.”
Next up for the Lady Lions is a 5:15 p.m. Tuesday tilt at perennial state power Stephenville with sole possession of first place in the District 4-4A standings up for grabs.
“Stephenville always has a great program, we are aware of their talent, but I have full faith that my team is just as talented,” Mosqueda said. “Before we broke out tonight I told my girls to celebrate their win tonight but Monday we go back to work because Tuesday night will be a good battle. I’m excited to see them put in the work.”
