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Zias win LSC soccer opener

DENTON, Texas — Forward Megan Dozier didn’t get many shots, but she made them count.

The Eastern New Mexico University freshman scored two goals on three shots, including the game-winner in overtime to give the Zias a 2-1 win over Texas Woman’s on Friday in the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams.

“The one shot she missed hit the post,” ENMU coach Travis McCorkle noted.

It was the LSC debut for the first-year ENMU program. The Zias’ next conference match is scheduled for 11 a.m. (MDT) Sunday at league power Texas A&M-Commerce.

The win gives the Zias (2-4) something to build on as they prepare for the nationally ninth-ranked Lions (9-0-2), who outlasted West Texas A&M 3-2 in their LSC opener on Friday in Commerce.

“For us, being a first-year team, it doesn’t matter what the other team’s record is — we’ll take them,” McCorkle said of the victory. “To get a win on the road, in a conference game, is huge for us.”

Dozier gave ENMU a 1-0 halftime lead when she scored from about 10 yards out on a breakaway in the 23rd minute. Kayla McKamey had an assist on the goal.

The Pioneers (1-6-1) tied it in the 75th minute when Stephanie Stein scored on a short rebound shot. That held until Dozier’s breakaway goal from about 10 yards out on the right side, coming in the seventh minute of overtime and set up by a pass from Stacia Givens.

TWU had a 31-6 advantage in shots, but McCorkle was quick to point out that only 13 of the Pioneers’ attempts were actually shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Carolyn Vincent had 12 saves for ENMU.

“They had tons of shots, but the type of shots we (give opponents) tells you that we are making them take shots from tough angles,” McCorkle said. “It’s not just our defenders. Our midfielders also play a huge role in our defense.”

McCorkle knows the Zias have their work cut out against Commerce.

“Commerce is the (LSC’s) top dog right now,” he said. “They’re very athletic, very fast and a good-scoring team.”

 
 
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