Four games. Four victories. Four shutouts.
The defense stayed strong, and Emma Cannis scored twice to lead the Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Texas-Permian Basin on Sunday in Odessa, Texas.
The Skyhawks (4-0-0) ended their season-opening road trip with a perfect record in large part because of Cannis’ big day. The senior forward opened the scoring after a Jordan Hix deflection in the midfield landed in her path, and she didn’t miss to put FLC up 1-0 in the 19th minute.
Cannis tallied again in the 72nd minute. Nicole Schumacher’s cross found its way to Cannis, who headed it in for the final 2-0 margin.
“The header she scored from Schumacher’s ball back in ... was fantastic,” FLC head coach Damian Clarke said.
The defense turned in another quality performance, allowing just two shots total for UTPB (0-4) against 25 for the Skyhawks. It was the fourth clean sheet in as many games for the experienced back four and goalkeeper Caitlyn Espinosa, who made a pair of saves Sunday.
“I think the back four is just mature,” Clarke said. “The four seniors and even with the help of a few of the girls that are coming in ... we’re a solid group in the back.”
That defense and the Skyhawks as a whole should be tested in Friday’s home and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference openers. No. 19 Regis will be in town to take on the Skyhawks at 3:30 p.m. at Dirks Field.
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