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By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer
Baylor soccer dominated in a 5-0 rout over Northwestern State University at Betty Lou Mays soccer field. It was a beautiful day for soccer on the Brazos and the Bears enjoyed their fourth straight shutout win on their home turf.
The 5-0 result over Northwestern State marked the second straight 5-0 result for the Bears thanks to an overflow of attack down the flanks. Because the Bears spread the Lady Demons so long and wide, goals were bound to come for the Bears.
The celebrations started early in the match when freshman forward Precious Akanyirige got on the end of a cross in the sixth minute.
“I’ve been really excited for precious lately,” senior forward Alexa Wilde said. “She’s kicking butt. Her goal was a heart goal. Ashley York played her a beautiful ball and she just put it away.”
Akanyirige, named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week last week, lived up to that recognition, scoring two goals in two games this weekend. Akanyirige was not the only freshman to get on the board.
Freshman midfielder Katie Milberger thumped a left-footer from outside the 18-yard box to make it 2-0 in the 40th minute. The goalkeeper had no chance on Milberger’s first collegiate career goal.
“It was amazing getting a goal,” Milberger said. “The team set it up well, got left foot on it and so excited it went in.”
Another early lead allowed Baylor co-head coach Marci Jobson the luxury of getting her starters some rest while her younger players accumulate good experience. Jobson’s substitutes responded well supplying offensive chances and defensive poise in the second half.
Senior forward Alexa Wilde scored in her second straight game with a beautiful right-foot curler that zipped through some traffic about 20 yards into the side-netting. Wilde’s goal was the first of three goals for the Bears in a span of four minutes. In a matter of moments, the Bears were up 5-0 and on their way to another convincing win at home.
“This weekend, we did what we needed to do and I was very happy to see it,” Jobson said. “We are looking to keep building off this and hope it will help us get ready for a big road trip next weekend.”
The Bears travel to Illinois to face No. 25 ranked Notre Dame and Illinois State next weekend.
