LAREDO, Texas - The Lynn University women's soccer team opened its 2026 season with a 2-1 victory over Texas A&M International on Thursday evening at Dustdevil Field.
Tessa Abreu opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while freshman
Shayla De La Cruz delivered the game-winning goal in her collegiate debut.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
-
Helene Sorbo took the first shot for the Blue and White just under the six minute mark that forced a goalie save
-
Emma Brunelli made two early saves to keep the match scoreless just minutes after
- Lynn broke through at 14:04 when Abreu found the back of the net to give the Fighting Knights a 1-0 advantage
- The Blue and White continued to apply pressure with back-to-back shots by
Kayleigh Merchant and Abreu
- Off a corner kick play
Kayla Bradby struck the ball but just went wide left at the 31:26 mark
- De La Cruz nearly doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, but her attempt struck the crossbar as Lynn entered halftime holding a 1-0 advantage
- The Fighting Knights opened the second half aggressively, forcing three saves during the first eight minutes
- Texas A&M International equalized in the 63rd minute to level the match at 1-1
- Lynn needed just over six minutes to respond as De La Cruz scored at 69:20 to restore the Fighting Knights' lead
- The Blue and White defense prevented the Dustdevils from recording another shot on goal over the final 27 minutes to secure the 2-1 victory
FIGHTING KNIGHT STATS:
- Abreu led Lynn with four shots, two shots on goal and the opening goal
- De La Cruz scored the game-winner in her collegiate debut and finished with two shots
-
Elise Holcey recorded three shots and placed two on goal off the bench
- Brunelli made three saves to earn her first victory of the season
- Lynn held a 14-7 advantage in shots and a 7-4 edge in shots on goal
- The Fighting Knights outshot the Dustdevils 8-3 during the second half
- Â Lynn generated five corner kicks while limiting Texas A&M International to four
UP NEXT:
The Fighting Knights conclude their season-opening road trip on Saturday, Aug. 29, when they face St. Mary's in San Antonio, Texas, at 1:00 pm. EST.
