Second-half surge propels Texas A&M over No. 19 Alabama, 3-1
Returning to Ellis Field following a 6-0 defeat at Vanderbilt, Texas A&M overcame No. 19 Alabama, 3-1.
“A big season boost for us as far as helping us with postseason play,” head coach G Guerrieri said.
Subbed into the match in the 29th minute and out in the 30th, Georgia Leb left the game clutching her left knee.
“She’ll have an MRI this week,” Guerrieri said.
Carissa Boeckmann earned a yellow card in the 39th minute for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
Gianna Paul scored in the 53rd minute with an assist by Felicia Knox. Paul’s goal was shot into the right corner of Kenna Caldwell’s goal.
Scoring from distance, Taylor Pounds’ rocket equalized the game for the Aggies in the 55th minute.
“I honestly, like, kind of blacked out,” Pounds said. “I was like, ‘Just hit it as hard as you can.’ And I’m so glad it went in. Maile (Hayes) worked really hard to win that ball off that center back, so I knew I needed to put it in the back of the net.”
Mia Pante pulled A&M into the lead with a shot assisted by Maile Hayes in the 57th minute. The shot by Pante squeezed between the left post and Alabama goalkeeper Dylan Pixton.
“I was just like, ‘Finally,’ because I feel like I’ve had a lot of opportunities this season but just haven't been able to put the ball in the back of the net,” Pante said. “I've been going out early with (coach) Alyssa (Mautz) and some of the other forwards to practice getting reps, and I guess it’s kinda shown. And I’m just so happy it went in.”
Carolyn Calzada took a knock in the 65th minute on the same ankle that sidelined her for four matches but shook it off and stayed on the field for a free kick deep in the Aggies’ defensive half.
“She brings leadership,” Guerrieri said. “She’s one of our fastest players, period. Which again brings a lot of confidence to the rest of the team.”
Alabama’s Macy Clem earned a yellow card in the 81st minute for a hard tackle on Jazmine Wilkinson in A&M’s territory.
The nail in the Alabama coffin took place in the 83rd minute. Wilkinson broke away with a give-and-go assist by Sydney Becerra and scored it in the bottom right corner.
Margo Matula earned the Aggies’ second yellow card of the night in the 86th minute with a foul about ten yards outside of the Maroon & White’s box.
The Aggies will travel to play Auburn next on Friday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m.
“I think we’re just really pumped, and we’re ready to bring it,” Pounds said. “We’re excited.”
