NORFOLK, Va. -- The Old Dominion women’s soccer team (6-9-0, 4-2-0) heads to Texas for two pivotal conference matchups this weekend, as the Lady Monarchs are set to square-off with UTSA (1-13-1, 1-6-0) on Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. (ET) before facing UTEP (10-5-2, 3-2-2) on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. UTEP currently sits one point behind ODU (currently in sixth) in the C-USA team standings, although both games are significant for solidifying a playoff berth, as the C-USA Tournament consists of the top eight (out of 14 teams).
The Lady Soccer Monarchs enter the pair of road tests after defeating C-USA opponent Charlotte in riveting fashion last weekend. Madison Hogan found the back of the net with just 80 seconds remaining in regular time for an equalizer that sent the game to overtime before a Deirdre Bradley header just two minutes into extra time sealed the win for Old Dominion.
Iris Achterhof leads the Lady Monarchs in scoring with six goals and four assists, while Madison Hogan increased her goal total to four after last weekend. Kira Laurento and Deirdre Bradley have also netted two goals on the year.
Goalkeeper Erin Kinz has backed the Lady Monarch defense by starting every minute of every game to date, compiling 49 saves and a .690 save percentage. The junior keeper has three clean sheets to her credit as well.
Entering Friday’s conference showdown, UTSA (1-13-1, 1-6-0) looks to get on track after a five-game losing skid that includes two heartbreaking overtime defeats. Last weekend, the Roadrunners fell to Southern Miss 2-1 (2OT) and were then blanked 2-0 by Louisiana Tech.
Leading the way in scoring for UTSA is Sam Batley, who has racked up three goals on the season in 15 starts. Lauren Hodgdon and Savannah Struck each have two goals apiece, too.
On Sunday, the Lady Monarchs take on UTEP (10-5-2, 3-2-2), who is coming of an exciting 3-2 (2OT) victory over Southern Miss.
The Miners’ Angela Cutaia has accumulated 10 goals this season with five assists, and Aleah Davis has netted five scores with six assists.
LOOKING WAY AHEAD FOR THE LADY SOCCER MONARCHS
The Lady Soccer Monarchs prepare for another C-USA road matchup with Marshall on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. before returning home for their final game at the ODU Soccer Complex against Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.
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