University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
FIU
Cajuns Clinch Tourney Berth with Home Win
10/24/2010 7:38:00 PM | Soccer
Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns did their part in the hunt for a Sun Belt Tournament berth on Sunday as they defeated FIU by a final score of 2-1 at home on Sunday.
Arkansas State and UALR also cooperated as both lost road matches, meaning that the Cajuns have clinched their first berth in the postseason tournament since 2007.
The Cajuns (9-10-0, 4-6-0) fell behind within the first five minutes of the match, but responded less than two minutes later to tie the score. The score remained tied, 1-1, until UL netted the game-winner in the 86th minute. The Cajuns ninth win ties school record for wins in a season.
The Cajuns came into the contest in a tie with Arkansas State and just half a game ahead of UALR for the final spot in the Sun Belt Tournament. The Red Wolves (7-9-1, 3-7) lost at North Texas and the Trojans (6-12-1, 2-7-1) lost in overtime at Denver.
In their match, UL allowed an early goal when Kelly Hutchinson scored her first goal of the season for FIU (9-8-1, 6-4-0) in the 5th minute. However, UL didn't waste anytime recording the equalizer as Chelsea Balestra scored her seventh goal of the season in 7th minute off of an assist from Shelby Isley.
The two sides took the 1-1 tie into the halftime break and through much of the second half. However, the Cajuns capitalized on a late free kick in the 86th minute.
After a FIU foul just across midfield, Melissa Minton sent an indirect free kick into box. The ball found the leg of Courtney Hofland who was unable to get a shot off, but Cayla Chatman was there to put the loose ball into the back of the net.
The goal was the fourth of the season for Chatman and the assist was the fourth for Hofland and first for Minton. The helper marked the 11th of Hofland's career, the most ever by a Cajun.
"This was a huge win for us," said head coach Scot Wieland. "I was really proud of our complete 90 minute effort and very proud of the way we rebounded from a tough loss on Thursday."
Amanda Moorefield went the distance in the net for UL and made the early goal stand as the only for the Golden Panthers. Moorefield made four saves on the day.
The Cajuns and Golden Panthers each fired off 13 shots, but UL posted seven shots on goal compared to FIU's five.
The Cajuns will return home on Friday for their regular season finale as they host La.-Monroe at 4:00 p.m. The Cajuns, who will honor their six seniors prior to the match, will be looking for their first ever 10-win season.
