On paper, the 2019 State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners soccer team's season wasn't what the team or the coaching staff wanted. However, the season featured seven heartbreaking one goal losses.

"The women's team had a difficult season," said Head Coach Jaime Beltran. "They were so close in a lot of games. The record doesn't look great, but the girls did progress throughout the year. There was some disappointment, but they're on the verge of taking the next step. With the recruits that we are going to bring in and the players that we are going to add, we have a positive outlook for next year."

One of the highlights of the season was the 2-1 victory over Jefferson College on Oct. 5. Another highlight was that five Lady Roadrunners were named to the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.

Freshman Natalie Clarke of England and sophomore Hailie Acton of Fulton were named to the First-Team. Clarke was a mainstay in the back line where she started in all 16 games for the Lady Roadrunners. Acton started all 16 games and scored one goal on 26 shots, 12 of which were on goal.

Sophomore Kimberly Rosas of El Paso, Texas, sophomore Melissa Martinez of Bolivia, and freshman Ash Lawson of Australia all earned Second-Team honors. Rosas tied for the team lead in goals with two and registered an assist. Rosas finished second on the team in points with five. Martinez started and played in 15 games for the Lady Roadrunners this season. She tied for the team lead in goals scored with two and assists with two. She led the team in points with six.  Lawson started 15 of 16 games this season. She scored one goal; it was a game winner for SFCC.

Clarke and Acton were also named First-Team All-Region 16.

Coach Beltran is preparing for the upcoming spring season.

"We are going to go back to basics during the spring season," said Beltran. "We will do a lot of technical work, as well as individual skill work. This will lay a strong foundation for our team next fall. It will be a good opportunity for the returning players to come in and set a standard for what we want to accomplish next year."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics