September 2, 2012

Fort Lewis 4, A&M-Commerce 2
Location: MSU Soccer Field * Wichita Falls, Texas
Records: Fort Lewis (2-0-0), A&M-Commerce (1-1-0)
Up Next: at Dallas Baptist * Wednesday, Sept. 5 * 7:00 p.m. * Dallas, Texas 

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Fort Lewis showed why the nations coaches hold in such high regard, coming back from an early 2-1 deficit to beat the Lions by a score of 4-2 at the Midwestern State Soccer Field in Wichita Falls.

The two sides did not waste anytime to get on the scoreboard. Fort Lewis stuck first when Megan Striedel scored an unassisted goal just three minutes into the game. The Lions quickly responded when Brionna Minde answered less than thirty seconds later to tie the game at one with the assist by Catie Hyde.

Anitra Wright put in a cross from the left wing off the foot of Brionna Minde in the 13th minute to give the Lions a 2-1 advantage. Fort Lewis was able to gain a corner kick an capitalized off it with a short combination in the box between Elena Benavides to Megan Striedel for her second goal of the game to being the score back level at 2-2.

With just under 10 minutes to play in the half, goalkeeper Tracey Rogers landed awkwardly and had to come off due to an injury as Minde assumed goalkeeper responsibilites for the remainder of the first half for the Lions. Allie Burks took over in net at the beginning of the second half for A&M-Commerce, seeing her first collegiate action.

Off a free kick 13 minutes into the second half Lauren Riley was able to give Fort Lewis the lead once again 3-2 on first of the season. The Lions were able to get two corner kicks shortly after the goal by Fort Lewis but were able to record a shot.

With just over five minutes remaining the Skyhawks were able to seal the victory when Sam Weiss put a shot pass Allie Burks off a thru ball from Megan Striedel to push the Fort Lewis advantage to 4-2.

Like the season opener victory over Ouachita Baptist, the Lions were unable to capitalize on 1-on-1 chances with the goalie. When the shots go just wide or right at the goalie it can make life hard when you are facing a ranked as highly as the Skyhawks are.

The Lions travel to Dallas, Texas on Wednesday September 5th to take on Dallas Baptist. This is the first of four true road games in a row. The Patriots come into this game with a perfect 2-0 mark on the season with victories over #7 Abilene Christian and Texas Woman's University this past weekend.