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Kansas City
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UMKC Drops UTPA, Remains Unbeaten in WAC Play
10/12/2014 8:34:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Edingburg, Texas -- Freshman Whitney Lucas scored with 57 seconds left to lift UMKC to a 2-1 victory over Texas-Pan American on Sunday in Edinburg.
The victory was the fifth straight for the 'Roos (8-3-2, 4-0-0) who were forced to overcome a plethora of obstacles to remain unbeaten in WAC play. Experiencing the New Mexico State/UTPA road swing for the first time, the squad was up to the task, prevailing through a game time temperature of just over 90 degrees and a questionable ejection that left them a player short for the final 28 minutes of action.
2013 All-WAC defender Kaely Tott notched her first goal of the season to put the visitors out in front in the 35th minute, finishing off of an assist by Alyssa Elver.
The Broncs would strike back off of a corner kick shortly after halftime to knot the score at one goal apiece. With UTPA sinking deep into their own zone in an effort to prevent offense from an opponent that scored six times when the teams last met, things got chippy following the equalizer. The teams combined for three yellow cards over an 11-minute span from 55' to 67'.
Finally, with eight minutes remaining in regulation, Maureen Bigsby was disqualified after receiving a straight red card, leaving the 'Roos down a player for the duration.
"I'm extremely proud of the way we persevered," said head coach Chris Cissell. "Our players were tested by a lot of adversity and they showed a great deal of character and a burning desire to win."
That unwavering desire paid off none too soon, as Lucas delivered her third goal of the season with just seconds separating UMKC from a tie. Instead, the 'Roos completed the trip with six points and sole possession of first place in the WAC standings.
Cissell's bunch will return home to the friendly confines of Durwood Stadium next weekend to host Grand Canyon and Bakersfield on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
