HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team closed out its final home match of the season with a 2-1 victory over HCU Thursday evening in Strawberry Stadium.

Southeastern (5-7-4, 4-3-2 SLC) gained a big win over the Huskies (7-8-2, 2-4-2 SLC) to finish week six of conference play with its final regular season home match. SLU came out aggressive on its home field as Brooke Opferman and Alexandra Knight connected in the net to help secure the victory. Lady Lion goalkeeper Kendall Curran ended the evening with two saves against HCU.

SLU came out strong in the opening minutes of the match as it took control of the ball early. The Lady Lions asserted their dominance in the first half with a 10-0 shot advantage over the Huskies. HCU worked to match the intensity of Southeastern, but had no answer as the hosts claimed the first goal of the evening. Junior transfer Brooke Opferman connected in the back of the net off an assist by Aja Nelson in the 21st minute of the match to record her first goal with the green and gold, 1-0.

The Lady Lions remained aggressive throughout the first half as HCU struggled to find its rhythm offensively. Southeastern's back line defense dismantled every attack the Huskies battled to formulate, but could not claim a spark of momentum. SLU claimed a 6-2 edge in corner kicks over the Huskies as it relentlessly pressured the visitors' defense. The Lady Lions held all the momentum  to close out the first half with six shots on goal as they forced a busy night in the net for HCU goalkeeper Emmy McKeon with six saves.

Southeastern's first half momentum carried over after the halftime break as it continued to control the pace of the match in the opening minutes of the second half. Knight logged her fourth goal of the season to extend SLU's lead in the 53rd minute of the match, 2-0. The Shreveport, La. claimed her first game winner of the season off a dime by senior Mia Martin to lead the Lady Lions in scoring.

The Huskies gained their footing midway through the second half as Ella Remy connected in the net to cut into their deficit, 2-1. Remy helped HCU to tally its first goal in the 66th minute of the match off an assist by Alexia Murillo and Paisley Barela. Southeastern sensing the tide of momentum shifting in the Huskies favor, turned up its intensity with two threatening shots on goal, but could not capitalize. 

HCU remained aggressive late in the second half as it secured an 8-4 shot advantage over the hosts. The Huskies worked to break free on a series of counter attacks, but Southeastern's defense held strong late in the match to limit opportunities. HCU obtained two corner kicks in the final minutes of the second half as SLU battled to hold on to its lead. The Lady Lions fought to deny every attack the Huskies formulated in hopes of equalizing the match. Southeastern claimed its third home win of the season to rank fourth in the Southland Conference women's soccer standings.

SLU will travel to Lake Charles, La. to face conference rival McNeese Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. for its final regular season match of the season. Thursday's match against the Cowgirls will be streamed on ESPN+.

SLU – 2 1 – 1- 2 (5-7-4, 4-3-2 SLC)

HCU – 1 0 – 1 – 1 (7-8-2, 2-4-2 SLC)

Scoring Summary

1. 21:33 – SLU – Brooke Opferman (1) – Assisted: Aja Nelson

2. 53:14 – SLU  – Alexandra Knight (4) – Assisted: Mia Martin

3.  66:10 – HCU – Ella Remy (1) – Assisted: Alexia Murillo, Paisley Barela

Shots – SLU 14 , HCU 8

Saves – HCU 6, SLU 2

Corner Kicks – SLU 7 , HCU 4

Fouls – HCU 8 , SLU 6

Offsides – SLU 3, HCU 0

SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB

Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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