Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wrapped up the weekend with a shutout victory over Arkansas State. A second half goal from Dakota Merino helped the Tech defeat the Red Wolves 1-0 on a Sunday afternoon at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.
“Extremely gutsy and gritty performance today against an outstanding Arkansas State, previously unbeaten and unscored on,” said head coach Steve Voltz. “Considering that we had three starters out before the game (started) and lost more players during the game. We made plays when we had to and did a good job in possession of the ball today. It was an incredible team performance even, with the amount of freshmen we had playing.”
In the first half, Tech (2-1-3) came out attacking after putting nine shots up and three corners compared to Arkansas State’s three shots and two corners. Defender Kalli Matlock fired off four shots against Arkansas State (2-1-1).
In the first 15 minutes of the contest, Madita Ehrig, Madison Pensom, and Maeva Costenaro took shots but could not force them into the net. Forward Charlie Cooper and Merino collected shots but could not capitalize on their opportunities.
Later in the second half, Tech would not slow down the attack after Merino netted a long goal free-kick in the 51st minute, putting the Bulldogs up 1-0.
“She has a foot on her,” said Voltz. “She is comfortably growing into playing center back. I am more impressed with her defensive performance but happy she scored a goal as well.”
Merino has now scored two goals via free kick for Louisiana Tech this season while having a career-high seven shots taken. Tech totaled eight more shots in the second half, in which the Bulldogs outshot Arkansas State 17-8.
The Bulldogs will wrap up this five-game homestand with a contest against SEC foe Mississippi State. The contest will be Thursday at 6 p.m. in Robert Mack Caruthers Field and will be televised on ESPN+.
Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
