NCAA Soccer: Helen Alormenu brace lifts Texas State past Baylor 3-1

Helen Alormenu scored twice, including a remarkable 57-yard effort, as Texas State defeated Baylor University 3-1 on Sunday night in NCAA Soccer. The Ghana international’s brace helped the Bobcats secure the result after Baylor had briefly restored parity.

Texas State made an immediate start when Matsuri Tsutsui intercepted a pass outside the Baylor penalty area in the second minute. She advanced before placing her finish into the left corner to give the Bobcats an early advantage.

Baylor responded soon afterwards to bring the score level. Texas State regained the lead when Ava Kooker found Alormenu in a promising position, allowing the midfielder to complete the move from close range and register her first goal of the season.

Alormenu produced the match’s defining moment in the 72nd minute. She won possession near the halfway line, noticed the Baylor goalkeeper away from her goal and struck the ball from roughly 57 yards. The attempt travelled over the goalkeeper and into the net, restoring Texas State’s two-goal cushion.

The second goal completed Alormenu’s first two-goal performance since August last year, when she scored twice against Our Lady of the Lake. Her latest display therefore combined her first goal of the season with a long-range finish that settled the contest.

The 3-1 victory gives Alormenu a strong early-season platform in the United States and handed Texas State a win over Baylor. Her contribution was decisive in a match that began with a quick Bobcats goal, changed level briefly and was ultimately settled by the Ghanaian’s brace.