CHALLENGE RED DEVILS REMAIN UNDEFEATED IN THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE RED RIVER CONFERENCE

Written By:   Nichole Singleton
              WPSL Communications

Five matches in and halfway through its inaugural season, Challenge Red Devils are playing more like league veterans than expansion newcomers – especially in a conference as competitive as the Red River.

Sitting atop the Southern Division standings, Challenge has been an explosive force offensively since its season opener, outscoring its opponents 15/4.

Leading that offensive front is rising high school senior, Adysen Armenta. The Texas A&M commit scored a brace in Challenge’s second match over Lonestar SC which helped her team to a 4-0 victory. Armenta also scored the match-winner in the final seconds versus reigning division and conference champions, AHFC Royals.

“Overall, the players and coaches are having a good time,” O’Toole said. “It has been great to get the players back together.  They enjoy playing together and it has shown on the field.  

Armenta has also had help up front with solid performances by Rice junior, Madison Kent, Mississippi State r-sophomore, Taylor James, and Texas A&M junior Katherine Colvin who have accounted for five goals collectively.

The Red Devils’ offense doesn’t take all the credit for its early success as its defensive presence has been equally impressive. Goalkeeper, Isabella Killgore has recorded three shutouts for the Red Devils and has only given up four goals – the least in the Southern Division and tied for second-least in the conference.

In the last half of the season, Challenge will face each divisional opponent a second time in hopes of remaining division leaders and securing its spot in the conference championship. While the Red Devils are looking forward to their remaining matches, O’Toole knows his team can’t let its guard down with how high the competitiveness is among its opponents.

“The teams in the league are outstanding and the coaches are excellent.,” O’Toole said.

With ten days off since its last match with the Royals on June 8, the Red Devils will travel to San Antonio on June 19 to face the Blossoms who sit just two points behind in second. In its final match of the regular season, Challenge will host the Houston Aces on July 3.