SAN ANGELO - The Angelo State soccer team scored two early goals and never looked back Sunday afternoon at the ASU Soccer Field, earning its first home win of the 2016 season against New Mexico Highlands, 2-0.
Freshman goalkeeper Sammy Cude kept the opposition of the board for the third straight game to help the Belles (3-0-1) remain undefeated on the season, while the Cowgirls (0-3-1) are still looking for their first win.
After not getting a goal in Friday's game, the Belles' attack came out strong on Sunday creating space for 17 shots in the first half alone and 26 overall in the match compared to just seven for the Cowgirls. A little less than half of the Belles' shots (11) were on goal, forcing the Highlands keeper to make nine saves.
"That's what we expect of them," head soccer coach Travis McCorkle said. "It's a good performance and I'm almost always pleased with the way we perform, but we expect them to get a shutout. We expect them to minimize other teams shots and I think today we did that."
Loni Byers and Demi Tsambasis tied for the team lead in shots in the game with five apiece and both found the back of the net in the game as well for the Belles two goals. Seven other Belles attempted shots including Morgan Sibson with four, Trenadey Scott and Ally Warren with three each, Cynthia Andrews with two and Tiffany Dang, Megan Allen, Laja Pujades, and Lauren Perry all recording one.
The back line for the Belles held strong once again, preventing the opposing team from scoring for the third time in four games this season. Cude did her part as well, earning her third shutout of the season with five saves.
ASU started off fast in the match, scoring its first goal on a free kick from Loni Byers less than a minute after the opening whistle. The goal was her first on the season.
Just seven minutes later, the Belles struck again, one again using a free kick to their advantage. This time, however, Demi Tsambasis was on the receiving end of the set piece, and her redirection of the ball put it into the back of the net. Tsambasis continues to lead ASU in goals with five in just four games this season.
"I think we're more dangerous on free kicks than we've shown," McCorkle said. "I was really pleased to see the team causing chaos in the penalty area and that caused the goalkeeper to over-pursue and miss the ball."
Although the Belles created a lot more chances in the match, none connected and the score held at 2-0 until the final whistle sounded.
The Belles have a quick turnaround for their next games, as the will take on Colorado Mesa on Wednesday in Gunnison, Colorado.
