Cottrell leads MSU past Pioneers, 2-1

by Trey Reed

October 19, 2012

WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- It just seemed to be a matter of time for Midwestern State Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field.

The Mustangs dominated play without results until freshman Ashley Cottrell struck for two goals in 60 seconds to lift the team to a 2-1 victory over Texas Woman's University.

"That was the best front-to-back game we've had," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "But we're working on our defensive and offensive corners and we have to continue that."

Texas Woman's took advantage of a miscue off its corner kick chance in the 34th minute as senior midfielder Jillian Fuerman headed in the loose ball to give the Pioneers the 1-0 advantage.

That tenuous lead appeared it would be the different over the next nearly 50 minutes of the game as the Mustangs were just unable to convert any clean chances despite controlling a 23-9 shot advantage.

Then just when they had to have it, Cottrell chested a ball redirected off of teammate Mickey Brown's run down the right wing and banged in her sixth goal of the season for the equalizer in the 81st minute.

"Ashley has really started shine since we've gone to the 4-5-1 system," Trimble said. "She's strong, can hold the ball and finish. It's worked really well for her."

MSU's target forward struck again in the 82nd minute when she ran a confident line to a bounding ball off of Payton Fookes' free kick. Cottrell's diving header found its mark for her team-best seventh goal of the season. Six of those have come in the last six matches including two at West Texas A&M and one each against Eastern New Mexico and Incarnate Word.

"Ashley is so relaxed and is just making very good decisions," Trimble said. "That first goal was just a very composed, well struck finish."

Trimble also lauded the play of senior center backs Megan Barnhart and Hanna Staley and was very pleased with a trio of midfielders which included senior Maddie Fraser with freshmen Stevie Harris and Morgan Hannon.

"They worked really hard and were very good tonight," Trimble said. "Any time they are physical with the amount of talent they have, they can make a big difference."

The Mustangs have now put two wins together for the first time this season to improve to 5-8-3 overall and to 5-4-3 in league play.

Midwestern plays host to Texas A&M-Commerce for Senior Day Sunday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

TWU slipped to 6-8-2 and 5-6-1.