North Texas Daily

The Mean Green soccer team overcame their first bout of adversity on Sunday afternoon, erasing an early deficit before downing Abilene Christian University 3-2.

The Wildcats (0-3-1) started strong with five shots on goal in the first nine minutes. Of these five shots, two found the back of the net. North Texas (4-0) then found itself in an unfamiliar position — trailing for the first time this year.

“I think we came out a little complacent,” head Coach John Hedlund said. “We put ourselves in a position that we hadn’t been in all year down two goals.”

But after the first two goals by Abilene Christian, the Mean Green upped the pressure and started attacking. Things turned around when sophomore forward Lauryn Bruffett came off the bench and scored a goal in the 22nd minute.

“I knew we were right back in it after the first goal,” Bruffett said. “Once we got back to 2-1, we knew that were going to be able to get to 3-2 for the win.”

Shortly after the intermission, North Texas knotted things up as senior midfielder Anna Flobeck beat the Wildcats’ goalkeeper on a shot from distance. Junior defender Tori Phillips assisted on the play, making a short pass outside the box to Flobeck, who did the rest.

This energy continued down the stretch as senior midfielder Marchelle Davis scored what would be the game-winning goal that put Mean Green ahead for good in the 55th minute. Strong defensive play then took over and carried the team to victory, as North Texas allowed just three shots and none on goal in the second half.

“There was a lot of mixed emotions,” Davis said of the comeback. “We don’t really look to any one [person]. It’s just up to anyone to step up the plate.”

Next up: North Texas travels to take on Oregon State University at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.

Featured Image: North Texas senior midfielder Marchelle Davis (11) celebrates after scoring a goal against Abilene Christian on Sunday. Dylan Nadwodny | Contributing Photographer