MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team (8-4-2, 2-1-2 SBC) took a shutout over the Arkansas State Red Wolves (3-4-3, 0-3-1 SBC) on Thursday evening, 2-0. With two early goals and a strong defense, the Warhawks sailed to another Sun Belt win, their first at home this season. The last time ULM was able to claim a clean sheet over Arkansas State was 2017 in Monroe.
The Warhawks started hot and didn't let up in the first 45 minutes, striking in the fifth minute of the match.
Jensyn Lins scored her third goal of the season and of her career. The goal was also her first game winner. She was assisted by midfielder
Mara Grutkamp, who claimed her fourth assist and 22
nd of her career. Just 11 minutes later, a foul on the Red Wolves gave
Ally Richardson the chance to extend the lead with a penalty kick. This was Richardson's third goal of the season and of her career, as well as her second penalty kick on the season. This lead continued into the final minutes of the first half.
The second half had the Warhawks getting defensive, as they worked to maintain their 2-0 lead. Goalkeeper
Jennifer Handy played a role in that protection, credited with two saves. ULM defenders were able to protect the goal, only three shots coming from Arkansas State in the second half. While ULM maintained 57% possession, they were unable to score in the second half of the match.
ULM led in shots, 6-9 and shots on goal, 6-2. The Red Wolves led in saves with four and corner kicks, 7-3.
Skylar Blaise led the team in shots with three, Lins close behind with two in the match.
With her 22
nd career assist, Grutkamp is now only three assists away from capturing the all-time record in program history. She would overtake Karlea Fehr (2012-15), who remains on top with 24. Richardson enters ULM history with her second penalty kick on the season, now fifth in season records and tied with teammate
Kai Douglas. Goalkeeper Handy is now third in season shutouts with her fifth.
This is the seventh clean sheet on the season for the Warhawks, claiming the top spot in program history for the most shutouts in a season. The 2024 Warhawks share first place with the 2005 and 2016 seasons.
Next up, the Warhawks will travel to Texas State to take on the Bobcats on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in San Marcos.
