Senior Camila Ardila scored the first of NSU’s three second-half goals in a 3-0 win against Jackson State in Alexandria. CREDIT: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
Northwestern State may not have felt exactly at home for Friday’s home opener after wet field conditions pushed their game to Alexandria’s Johnny Downs Sports Complex.
But the Lady Demons looked at home in the second half, scoring all three goals in the latter period of 3-0 win against Jackson State.
Senior midfielder Camila Ardila put NSU (2-2) on the board with a free kick before sophomore forward April Trowbridge scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the match.
A stout Lady Demon defense held Jackson State (0-4) to four shots and few real chances as junior goalkeeper Alex Latham recorded her second shutout of the season.
“We were really happy with how our team responded tonight, and I’ve got to give it to Jackson State because that’s not the team we’ve played in the past,” said NSU coach George Van Linder. “At halftime, we told our team that once we get that first, things will open up for us.
“Camila had a great goal, and April stepped up for us again tonight. JSU is a fast team and aren’t afraid to fight for the ball. We capitalized on a few mistakes they made.”
Ardila’s free kick came from just outside of the penalty box as she found the top–right corner in the 56th minute for her fourth goal of the season.
“Whenever I got to the ball, I knew where I wanted to put it,” Ardila said. “It was from close-range, and I felt we needed that goal.
“After I scored, we were able to calm down and play our game.”
Trowbridge popped a shot over the Jackson State keeper for NSU’s second goal after junior Esdeina Gonzalez delivered an assist across the field. She stole the ball from JSU minutes later and beat the keeper low for her second goal and third of the season.
“(Gonzalez) gave me a great pass, and I wanted to make sure I finished it after getting a little unlucky in the first half on a similar pass,” Trowbridge said. “This is a good win for us, and I think we’re looking better as a team right now.”
Gonzalez has a team-high two assists after leading the team in scoring this past season.
NSU outshot JSU 19-4, including 6-2 on goal.
The Lady Demons will play their second “home game” Sunday at 1 p.m. against Texas Wesleyan. That contest will take place at Shreveport’s Cargill Park.