HARNE — The A&M Consolidated women's soccer team came away victorious en route to a 3-0 victory over Waco University in a Class 5A bi-district matchup Tuesday night at Eagle Stadium.
“We started a little slower than we would have liked, but what we've been able to do all year is build momentum as the games go on, and we continued that tonight,” A&M Consolidated head coach Caleb Blakely said. “I could see the theme,” he said.
In the first 40 minutes, the Lady Tigers dominated the Lady Trojans with a total of 23 shots in the first half. Consol's first shot came five minutes into the second half, and his last with 30 seconds remaining.
The Lady Tigers (23-0) had chances to take the lead early, but either Waco University goaltender Aviana Gutierrez made a save or Consol caught a bad break. In the 23rd minute, a sigh of relief from Trojans fans and a groan from Tigers fans could be heard in the stands when Carson Walter's shot from 20 yards out went just over the crossbar and wide.
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Consol finally broke through on the last shot attempt of the first half. Jacelyn Coutts' throw-in on the Waco University side went to Molly Marino, who immediately sent the ball back to Coutts. The sophomore defender then turned and passed the ball off the dribble to Kate Homeyer, who found Marino on the field. Marino dribbled up the right side of the field and lofted a cross to Ashtyn Magnusson, who collected the pass and placed it in the back of the goal.
“It was really exciting,” Magnuson said. “I was really relieved to score.” [in] The last two minutes were good. ”
Magnusson's scoring momentum continued well past halftime, with Consol scoring less than 10 minutes into the second half.
“It was huge to be able to carry that momentum into the first half,” Blakely said. “I felt like we controlled the game and didn't let anything slip away. So getting the go-ahead goal in the second half right at the end of the first half felt like it gave our team some momentum.”
The Lady Trojans (12-5-3) had a few breaks in the first half, but Jorie Ingram's cross to Lily Hixson in front of the Waco University goal hit a defender's foot and went into the net. His luck ran out as he was bounced back. 49 minutes.
Less than 10 minutes later, Consol had another fleeting celebration when Coot defied the Lady Trojans' defense and scored. However, the celebrations did not last long due to an offside ruling.
In the 77th minute, Lady Tigers' Grace Tomlinson's corner kick sailed to Peyton Conover's right, and the freshman headed it in for her first varsity goal.
“She was our JV center back all year, so we moved her up to the playoffs,” Blakely said. “and [we] I wanted to get some spot time with her tonight. [and] Get her used to the game and speed. …It was amazing because her face and body language were so shocked. We're really looking forward to her getting that opportunity. ”
The Lady Tigers will advance to the area round and face Austin Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy, at a time and location to be determined. On Thursday, the Lady Raptors (17-1-3) defeated Georgetown Eastview 2-0.
“It’s good to get our first win in the playoffs because the team [have] I became anxious [and] They have high expectations, but they need to understand that they are well-founded,” Blakely said. “It’s good for them to come out tonight and get this win.”