SHREVEPORT, La. — Anita Roese's header in the 85th minute Monday gave Xavier University of Louisiana a 2-1 victory against LSU-Shreveport that tightened the top of the Red River Athletic Conference women's soccer standings.
        Roese produced her second winning goal of the season after a left-side feed from Eduarda Queiroz.
        "Duda played a perfect a ball," Roese said of Queiroz, "and I just had to head it in."
        The Gold Nuggets (9-2-3 overall, 8-0-2 Red River) improved their unbeaten streak to 10 games, snapped the nine-game winning streak of the Pilots (10-6, 9-1) and climbed to one point behind LSUS in the conference standings. The Red River awards three points for each league victory, one point for each tie and none for a loss — so as a result LSUS still leads with 27 points, followed by XULA with 26 and LSU-Alexandria with 24.
        All three contenders will play their conference finales Saturday. XULA will play host to LSUA at 1 p.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, La., and LSUS will visit Louisiana Christian at the same time.
        XULA never trailed. Samira Roper scored her 23rd goal of the season in the 35th minute — Roper is tied for second in the NAIA in goals this season — then Jade Derks of LSUS tied the score nearly five minutes later.
        "This is a win to be proud of," XULA head coach Ashley Cordeiro said. "The girls were focused on the game plan and stayed hungry for the full 90 minutes. It was a hard-working performance against a strong LSUS team to get the three points on the road."
        Said Roese: "What a moment for Xavier women's soccer winning this very important game. I'm so proud of this team."