The 2011 women's soccer season began with an excellent 4-0 decision in favor of the University of the Incarnate Word, as they defeated visiting Washburn University, 4-0, on Friday night at Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium.
The Cardinals (1-0) had two goals by sophomore midfielder Amber Guenther, who started UIW's scoring with the first goal of the season at 7:04 and the third goal of the game at 72:21. Her first goal saw Guenther run down a through-ball pass by teammate Sasha Vrany and beat the Lady Blue goalkeeper near post. Her second goal came after another well-placed assist, this time by freshman Sarah Johnson, which Guenther buried low and to the far post.
Jazma Latu, starting her first collegiate game up top for Incarnate Word, also scored a goal, following a shot by Guenther that hit the goal post and bounced back into the middle of the penalty area and heading it past the sprawling goalie, putting the Cardinals up 2-0 in the 31st minute. Latu would later set up fellow Johnson (younger sister of junior Sam Johnson) for her first collegiate goal in the 81st minute.
Sarah Johnson also finished with a goal and an assist in the contest.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, senior goalkeeper Tori Puentes made 5 saves for a shutout victory. The Cardinals out-shot Washburn 17-8 (11-5 on-goal) and seemed like the more aggressive team most of the night.
With the season starting off on a high note, UIW will hope to keep the momentum going on the road against Texas A&M International on Wednesday, September 7th.
