Texas Wesleyan Hands Scorpions First-Ever Loss at Morningside Park, 2-1
Posted October 8, 2008
Texas Wesleyan University took far fewer shots but made two of them count in a 2-1 victory over UTB/TSC in Red River Athletic Conference women's soccer Wednesday, October 8, at Morningside Park.

It was the first home loss ever for the Scorpion soccer program, which is in its second year. After winning all six of their home games in 2007, the Scorpions were 3-0-1 this year before Wednesday's setback.

The matchup of the Red River Athletic Conference co-leaders left TWU (6-4) alone atop the standings with a 3-0 record. UTB/TSC dropped to 4-4-2, 2-1.

Scorpion midfielder Anais Gonzalez (23) received a Scorpion blanket and a dozen roses during Senior Night before the Scorpions' game with TWU. She is the only senior on the team. Pictured during the pre-game ceremony are Scorpion head coach Nik Barjaktarevic, mother Maria Alma Gonzalez, Anais, brother Rafael Gonzalez, Scorpion assistant coaches Juan Garcia and Christian Gallucci, and UTB/TSC Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Vince Solis.

UTB/TSC took 24 shots -- 14 on goal -- compared to 10 for TWU, but the Rams made the most of their opportunities and had nine of the shots on goal. Rams' goalkeeper Brittany O'Brien had 13 saves.

When TWU's Diana Lopez scored with 26:57 left in the first half to give TWU a 1-0 lead, the shot attempt was the first of the game for the Rams. Up to that point, the Scorpions had seven shots without scoring.

Verena Wonsikowski tied the game at 1-1 on a close-range goal with 37:54 left in the game.

With 9:06 left in the game, Brianna McKernon took a free kick from about 30 yards out on the right side. Her shot barely eluded Scorpion goalkeeper Stephanie Reid, bounced off the left post and back into the net for the eventual game-winning goal.