Clean sheet streak stays alive for Cajuns in win over UCA

Louisiana extends shutout streak to five matches; off to best 10-match start in school history

CONWAY, Ark. – Goals by Hailey Hoffmann and Una Einarsdottir in the first 25 minutes were more than enough for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Women’s Soccer team as it notched its school-record fifth straight shutout and defeated Central Arkansas, 2-0, on Sunday at the Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.

Alex Augustyn and Lizzie Mayfield each were credited with assists for Louisiana (7-3-0), off to its best 10-match start in school history. The freshman tandem of Lauryn Starwood and Carly Dean combined for their second clean sheet of the 2020 season as the Ragin’ Cajuns limited UCA (5-2-1) to five shots in the match.

Hoffman, who scored her second goal in the past three matches for Louisiana, broke a scoreless contest in the 13th minute when attempt from just outside the 4-yard box beat UCA goalkeeper Sydney Rivera to the upper left corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

Louisiana quickly added to its lead just over 11 minutes later when Einarsdottir took a pass from Augustyn and beat Rivera with a shot from near the penalty kick line and into the lower, left corner of the net for her third goal of the year.

That would be more than enough for the Ragin’ Cajuns, whose previous best 10-match start (6-3-1) came in 2015. The win also marked Louisiana’s school-record fifth straight victory, breaking the previous mark (4) that was achieved three times in school history.

The lone save recorded by Louisiana was a team save in the final minute of the first half. Starwood, a Lafayette native who improved to 5-1 on the season, faced only four shots by the Bears before being relieved by Dean late in the 75th minute.

Sydney Brough and Anika Sultan each attempted a pair of shots for UCA, which fell to 4-1-1 in its last six matches and dropping its first contest since a 2-0 setback to Arkansas State on Sept. 13. Rivera collected one save for the Bears as Louisiana held an 11-5 shot advantage.

Louisiana will return home for non-conference action on Thursday when it is scheduled to face Lamar in a 7 p.m., match at the Ragin’ Cajuns Track/Soccer Facility.

The Ragin’ Cajuns Track/Soccer Facility will operate at a significantly reduced capacity for the 2020 season (unless state policy changes during the season). This will allow for fans and University students to be accommodated this season.

Should disruptions or modifications to the 2020 season occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Athletics will quickly communicate the adjustments through its social media channels and RaginCajuns.com. Additionally, the department will communicate any changes to specific entry and attendance protocols for home matches.

In the interest of public safety and following the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) Best Practices Guide, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department is implementing a clear bag policy at all venues that host ticketed events effective with the 2020-21 competition season. Information about the clear bag policy can be found by visiting www.RaginCajuns.com/clearbag.

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