By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer
Baylor soccer dominated this weekend at Betty Lou Mays Field against two non-conference opponents, maintaining a perfect record (4-0-0) at home this season.
After failing to rise to the occasion two weeks ago against Utah Valley, the Bears worked on bringing their A-game to every game, regardless of the opponent. There were no missteps in their progression forward after that loss to Utah Valley, posting two emphatic 5-0 wins this weekend.
The Bears’ wing play was lethal against Incarnate Word and Northwestern State. The outside players for Baylor torched the opposition, getting balls into the box, giving Baylor’s center forwards quality chances throughout both matches.
The 5-0 results are telling of their aggressive offensive production. Because the Bears spread Incarnate word and Northwestern State so long and wide, goals were bound to come for the Bears over the weekend.
In addition to the Bears’ consistent supply of offense, it certainly helped that neither opposing team this weekend posed any serious threats to the Baylor goal. Incarnate Word and Northwestern State each only got one shot off in their matches against the Bears.
Freshman forward Precious Akanyirige, named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week last week, lived up to that recognition, scoring two goals in two games this weekend.
“I’ve been really excited for Precious lately,” senior forward Alexa Wilde said. “She’s kicking butt.”
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.
“It’s just really exciting being able to score, being able to see my teammates score,” Akanyirige said. “Two 5-0 games, it’s been great. Great effort from everyone.”
The response from the Bears this weekend pleased Jobson, after the 2-1 loss to Utah Valley.
“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. The Bears are 1-1-0 on the road this season.
