An incredible three-goal start lifted the No. 6 Texas A&M women’s soccer team over Kentucky 4-1 in Lexington, Kentucky. Highlighted by midfielder Emily Bates’ two-goal performance, the Aggies fired on all cylinders on the attack. Forward Ally Watt and midfielder Addie McCain also netted goals in the match. After tying their first game of the season, the maroon and white have now had two fast starts in their last two matches, scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes of each match.
“Quick starts are something we put a lot of emphasis on. But it’s one thing to talk about it and another thing to actually go out and do it,” A&M head coach G Guerrieri said. “Now they’ve gone out and done it in two straight games, so that’s something we can build off of. It makes you play that much more freedom and confidence.”
The Kentucky goalkeeper punted the ball to the feet of McCain who slotted a perfectly weighted ball onto the foot of Watt. Watt then darted past a Kentucky defender and beat the keeper from about eight yards out to give the Aggies their first goal of the game.
Just two minutes later, Emily Bates ripped a shot from just outside the 18-yard box and hit the crossbar, deflecting into the net. Bates collected her second goal in the 23rd minute after Asdis Halldorsdottir set her up with a weighted pass to the penalty spot. Bates ripped it into the right side netting to extend the A&M lead to 3-0.
“Quick starts are something we put a lot of emphasis on. But it’s one thing to talk about it and another thing to actually go out and do it”
- Head Coach G Guerrieri
Kentucky was able to get on the scoreboard in the 30th minute after the Aggies had a defensive lapse. The Wildcats intercepted an A&M pass which led to them scoring on a 1-on-1 opportunity with keeper Cosette Morche. After a very offensive first half, A&M held a 3-1 lead at the intermission.
The second half was rather uneventful as the Aggies dominated possession but were unable to convert their chances with the exception of McCain’s header in the 67th minute. The Aggie defense was stout throughout the game, only allowing five shots and just two on goal. The defensive effort started in the midfield as defensive midfielder won nearly every 50-50 ball that came her way.
“Today our ‘Engine Room’ in the midfield really put it together today,” Guerrieri said. “Emily Bates scored two goals, Addie McCain added another goal and Grace Piper was outstanding. They played a huge role in us getting the three points.”
The 4-1 win puts the Aggies in third place in the SEC standings with five games remaining in conference play. The maroon and white will host No. 25 Mississippi State on Friday night with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
