KRISHNAN COLLINS | SPORTS EDITOR: Senior defender Dana O’Boye shoots on an attempt that goes just wide of the goal against UCA on Sunday.

A two goal cushion in the opening five minutes helped the Arkansas State women’s soccer team to a 3-1 win over in-state rival the University of Central Arkansas Sunday afternoon. Two minutes into the game a goal by freshman Abigail Glockszin gave the Red Wolves a 1-0 lead before Haley Husted doubled A-State’s advantage in the third minute. Riley Minard secured the win for the home team with a wonderful free kick late in the match.

The Red Wolves improved to 2-1 on the season after winning both their matches during the week. Thursday night, A-State traveled to Big 12 opponent Kansas State where a Sophia Restrepo goal saw the Red Wolves take down the Wildcats 2-1.

The fast start to the match against UCA came when Hailey Furio played a perfectly weighted ball over the Bears’ defense. Glockszin controlled the ball and chipped it over the on-rushing keeper into the back of the net to put A-State up 1-0.

Moments later, Sarah Sodoma whipped a corner into the box causing a scram around the goal-mouth. The ball eventually deflected off Husted into the goal as the Red Wolves increased their lead to 2-0.

Down 2-0, the visitors worked themselves into the game. The Bears looked comfortable on the ball and kept a lot of possession away from the home team. Eventually, that possession paid off for UCA. In the 23rd minute UCA’s Gracie Hair took a free kick far outside the Red Wolves’ 18-yard-box. Hair sent the ball looping over A-State’s goalkeeper Megan McClure to pull the visitors within one goal at a 2-1 scoreline.

Maggie Ertl came close to extending A-State’s lead once again towards the end of the first half. Ertl intercepted a loose ball played out of the back by UCA and hit a rocket at the Bears’ goal. The ball clattered against the crossbar and bounced back into play.

During the second half UCA continued their possession play but could never really seem to trouble McClure’s goal. A-State held their shape and looked to make a majority of their chances on the counter-attack.

The Red Wolves were awarded a free kick in the 84th minute and Minard hit her strike sweetly between the wall and past the Bears’ keeper. The match finished 3-1 in favor of A-State.

The Red Wolves play in another home match on Thursday. Jackson State travels to the A-State Soccer Park; kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Categories: Sports