RICHARDSON, TX (10.26.17) - Junior Mandy Avalos headed in the game-winning goal with 21 seconds left in regulation to lift the UT Dallas women's soccer team to a 1-0 home win over LeTourneau in American Southwest Conference play Thursday night.

Avalos' tally was her first of the season as she found herself on the back post on deep crossing pass from teammate Jacquie Kaufman in the final minute of the contest. Her header went in to left netting past a diving LETU keeper as the Comets picked up their fourth straight shutout victory.

The Comets had a near 20-mile-an-hour wind at their backs in the opening half and out-shot LETU, 9-2, over the first 45 minutes, but had no goals to show for it at the break. Going against the wind in the second period, the Comets controlled the ground game and took 11 shots, finally scoring on their last shot of the night.

With the win, the Comets are guaranteed to finish among the top four in the final ASC standings and will host a quarterfinal tournament game next Tuesday at the UTD Soccer Field.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Comets finished the game with 20 shots, six on goal, compared to just seven shots by the visiting YellowJackets. UTD held LeTourneau to just one shot on goal, that coming in the second half with the wind. The Comets have nine of their 17 opponents to one shot on goal or less.

Kaufman's assist was her team-leading 13th of the season, setting a new UTD program record, and 27th of her career. She currently sits in fourth place on the Comets' all-time assists list, two assists behind three players, including current Comet Melissa Fulfer. UTD's previous single season assist record of 12 was set in 2005 by Jennie Bireley.

Avalos' goal was not only her first of the season, but first since her freshman campaign. Avalos missed 10 games during her sophomore season after breaking her nose early in the fall. She since has worn a protective mask in all games.

KEY PERFORMERS
The Comets used a balanced shooting attack in Thursday's win as five UTD players took a team-high three shots. Avalos and Jessica Rusk each finished with a team-best two shots on goal. UTD keeper Monica Dallacasa recorded her seventh shutout of the season, making one save.

NEXT UP
The Comets (14-3, 9-2 ASC) will close out the regular season Saturday as they celebrate "Senior Night" against East Texas Baptist. Game time is 5 p.m. at the UTD Soccer Field.