Concordia Texas Athletics

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Concordia University Texas women's soccer team used four goals from four different players to defeat Centenary College, 4-2, on Friday evening at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex. 

Centenary struck first in the 12th minute to take an early 1-0 advantage, but Concordia responded with a pair of first-half goals to take control of the match.

Shelby Jones brought the Tornados level in the 23rd minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Cecilia Escobar. Concordia continued to apply offensive pressure before Escobar delivered the go-ahead goal in the 39th minute, converting a feed from Abby Friday to give the Tornados a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.

Concordia carried its momentum into the second half as Mahaley Merkens extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 54th minute. Lorian Lopez provided the assist on Merkens' goal.

Centenary answered just over two minutes later, cutting the deficit to 3-2 in the 56th minute. However, the Tornados quickly regained control and added an insurance goal in the 66th minute.

Friday capped off the scoring with her first goal of the match, finishing an opportunity created by Jones to push Concordia's lead to 4-2.

The Tornados controlled the offensive tempo throughout the contest, outshooting Centenary 23-7, including an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal. Concordia also held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.

Escobar led the Tornados with six shots, including three on goal, while finishing with a goal and an assist. Friday added a goal and an assist on three shots, while Jones also contributed a goal and an assist.

Emma Payne registered three shots with two on target, while Merkens recorded the game-winning goal. In goal, Emma Guillen played all 90 minutes and recorded two saves to secure the victory.

Concordia finished with 13 second-half shots while limiting Centenary to just two attempts over the final 45 minutes, helping the Tornados secure an important conference win.