Women’s Soccer: Waves Down No. 19 Texas A&M 3-1 Behind Two Goals From Lynn Williams
Freshman Kristen Rodriguez Scores Second Goal for the Waves

BOX SCORE

September 1, 2013

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Pepperdine opened up a four-match road trip with a huge 3-1 victory at No. 19 Texas A&M Sunday afternoon behind two goals from Lynn Williams. The Waves (2-0-1) remain unbeaten against top-25 opponents this season and turn in their first multi-goal match of the year at the expense of the Aggies (2-2-0).

Williams (Fresno, Calif./Bullard HS), a 2013 MAC Hermann Watch List selection, wasted no time in breaking open a scoreless tie with two goals in less than two minutes early in the second half. Williams found the back of the net in the 47th minute and again in the 49th. It marks the second consecutive match Williams has provided the game-winner for the Waves.

With the brace, Williams turned in the third multi-goal match of her standout career. Ally Holtz (Honolulu, Hawaii/Punahou HS) provided the feed for Williams second scoring strike, a through ball setting up a one-on-one opportunity against the Aggie keeper.

“This is a fantastic and humbling victory for the Waves today,” head coach Tim Ward said. “We played a really intelligent game and executed well in 100 degree heat. It was a beautiful thing to watch at times and even more so because of the respect I have for G and the Texas A&M program. They will go on to do great things. Today we were able to give Michelle Pao a great birthday gift. I am so proud of our Waves today!”

After Texas A&M halved the Pepperdine advantage to 2-1 on a strike by Kelley Monogue in the 55th minute, Kristen Rodriguez (Inglewood, Calif./Notre Dame Academy) added a key insurance goal, her second of the season, with 19 minutes remaining. Rodriguez, who assisted on Williams’ first goal, finished with a career-high three points in the contest. Williams earned an assist on Rodriguez’s tally for a five-point day.

Pepperdine got a strong effort from its young back line once again and Texas A&M tested the unit early and often to the tune of 22 shots (11 on goal) and nine corner kicks. The Waves started four freshmen, including goalkeeper Hannah Seabert (Riverside, Calif./Woodcrest Christian HS).

Seabert (2-0-1) collected her second straight victory and collected a career-high 10 saves. Jordan Day suffered the loss for the Aggies and made three saves.

Texas A&M dominated the stat sheet in the opening period, owning a 12-6 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 edge in attempts on target. The Aggies also led 6-1 in corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes. Pepperdine’s young defense was up to the task and turned away multiple scoring opportunities. Seabert collected six saves in a very busy half. Williams was bottled up for the first 30 minutes of the first half, before unloading three shots, one on target.

For the match, Texas A&M held a 22-14 shot advantage, 9-1 in corner kicks. Pepperdine put six shots on frame, while the Aggies put 11 on target.

Pepperdine continues its four-game road trip Friday, Sept. 6 at No. 14 Michigan. Kick off against the Wolverines is set for 2:00 p.m. (PT) at U-M Soccer Stadium.