Haggerty propels soccer team to first win in two weeks
Alex Lessard | Staff Writer
Looking for its first win in two weeks, the Mean Green soccer team defeated Florida Altantic University Friday night by a score of 2-1.
After heading into the second half knotted at one goal apiece, North Texas (9-2-1, 1-0-1) sealed the victory on a goal from senior forward Amber Haggerty that bounced off an opposing defender with just over five minutes remaining.
“Coming off of the anger of tying our last game, I want to do well in conference,” Haggerty said. “I don’t want a tie to ruin our record, so I really wanted to get the win tonight.”
The game was evenly split in the first half, as both sides had multiple scoring opportunities. Haggerty put North Texas on the board first in the 34th minute, scoring the first of her two goals from inside the box into the lower left corner of the net.
Senior midfielder Lindset Hulstein prepares to throw the ball in bounds at the home game against FAU. Colin Mitchell | Staff Photographer
Haggerty was assisted by junior forward Rachel Holden and now has three goals this season.
“I don’t want to walk away from a goal losing the game knowing that I made the wrong adjustment,” Hedlund said. “Tonight, they worked out. Amber was the star.”
Despite having six shots saved by senior goalkeeper Jackie Kerestine, FAU tied things up on its final shot of the half with a perfectly placed header off a cross in the 43rd minute. The goal was just the sixth allowed by North Texas all season and the first score surrendered at home since Aug. 30.
“We got a little lazy,” Kerestine said. “Maybe we needed that kick in the rear to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The Mean Green remained in control throughout the second half, outshooting FAU 14-5 with eight shots on goal. However, the game remained tight until Haggerty’s second goal in the 84th minute put the game away. The score prevented North Texas from entering overtime for the third game in a row.
Junior forward Rachel Holden fights for possession while FAU’s Madison Caldwell attempts to defend her team’s goal. Colin Mitchell | Staff Photographer
Since a string of five straight shutouts in September, North Texas has one win, one tie and one loss in its past three games. With the Conference USA schedule in full swing, Hedlund said the Mean Green has a target on its back as the defending conference champions.
“This is what conference is all about,” Hedlund said. “We’re going to get everybody’s best.”
North Texas will host its second home game of the weekend against Florida International University on Sunday. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m.
Featured Image: Senior defender Molly Grisham heads the ball away from FAU defender Jade Rhodes. Colin Mitchell | Staff Photographer
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