Next Game:
at Oral Roberts
8/28/2025 | 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 (Thu) / 7 p.m.
at Oral Roberts
ABILENE – Abilene Christian women’s soccer defended its home turf once again, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Houston Christian on Sunday afternoon at Elmer Gray Stadium. The Wildcats improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 at home to start the 2025 season.
After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats continued to build pressure in the second. The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute, when Shakira Kafero-Roberts found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. The game-winner came from Peyton Hill, who tallied her second assist of the year. Hill has been able to manage two assists this weekend, with both game-winning goals for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats leaned heavily on their defense and goalkeeper Bella Medrano, who delivered her second shutout in a row. The freshman recorded six saves, including several key stops in the final 20 minutes, to preserve the shutout and notch her second clean sheet of the season. McCarly Holloman showed out on the defense, taking control and having saves of her own to keep the Huskies scoreless.
ACU finished with a slight advantage in shots, comparing their 10 to HCU’s 9, and edged the Huskies in possession. Both sides had opportunities, as Houston Christian forced seven shots on target, but the Wildcats’ back line stood tall.
“Going 2-0 on our home opening weekend is huge,” said head coach Stephen Salas. “The team showed grit in finding the game winner in the last five minutes and getting another shutout. It was also a special day for Shakira, who scored her first goal as a Wildcat from Peyton’s pass into the box. We know she will be scoring many more.”
This is the Wildcats’ first time since 2023 to open up their home season 2-0. Holding strong at home, ACU will not host at Elmer Gray until September 11, when they will take on Northwestern State.
“Through four games, we are still working through our timing and possession,” Salas said. “Our team mentality and resilience have been key contributors over these games. I’m excited about the team’s continual growth, and we look forward to next week’s games on the road.”
The Wildcats have three road games, making their way through Tulsa (Oral Roberts), down to Commerce (East Texas A&M) and then to Waco (Baylor), for one of their most anticipated Power Four opponents of the year.
The road match against Oral Roberts will be on August 28, with kick off being at 7 p.m. CT.