LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team finished its final regular season match with a 2-1 victory over McNeese Thursday night at Cowgirl Field.

SLU (6-7-4, 5-3-2 SLC) secured a massive win on the road against McNeese (4-11-4, 3-5-2 SLC)  to solidify its position in the Southland Conference Women's Soccer Standings. The Lady Lions claimed third in the 2025 SLC Women's Soccer Tournament with its victory over the Cowgirls. Junior Brooke Opferman stepped up for Southeastern with her second consecutive goal of the season in the first half. SLU extended its lead in the second half with an own goal in favor of the visitors. Lady Lion goalkeeper Kendall Curran closed out a busy night in the net with six saves.

Southeastern came out to the gate aggressive in the opening minutes of the match, seeking to control the pace of the match early. The Lady Lions quickly formulated multiple attacks to place pressure on McNeese's defense. SLU gained a 9-5 shot advantage over the Cowgirls in the first half as Rylee Franklin, Aja Nelson and Opferman led the team with three shots each.

The Lady Lions continued to challenge McNeese on the road as each team battled to secure momentum. The Cowgirls worked to settle in, but Southeastern refused to let up as Opferman connected in the back of the net in the 27th minute of the match off an assist by sophomore Isabella Fregoso. SLU posted a 1-0 lead as the momentum shifted in its favor midway through the match. 

Southeastern's defense held strong to hold McNeese scoreless the entire first half of the match, limiting every opportunity around the net. The Lady Lions ended the half with five shots on goal and three corner kicks.

McNeese returned from the halftime break with a different level of intensity to capitalize on a series of counter attacks. The Cowgirls worked to match SLU's aggression as they launched eight shots in the second half led by Elizabeth Edomwonyi with three shots. Southeastern regrouped to continue its offensive attacks as the team was credited with an own goal to extend its lead 2-0 in the 65th minute of the match.

The Cowgirls obtained three corner kicks in the second half as Dom Ducal claimed her first goal of the season in the 85th minute of the contest to cut into the visitors' lead, 2-1. McNeese battled to gain threatening shots around the net in the final minutes of the match, but could not connect as the Lady Lions backline stood firm to secure their advantage.

SLU finished the match with 17 shots, five corner kicks and two fouls to close out its regular season. The Cowgirls clinched eighth in league rankings to hold on to their postseason opportunity. 

Southeastern will travel to Beaumont, Texas to compete in the 2025 SLC Women's Soccer Tournament Tuesday, November 4-9. All matches will be played at the LU Soccer Complex and will be streamed on ESPN+.

SLU – 2 1 – 1- 2 (6-7-4, 5-3-2 SLC)

MCN – 1 0 – 1 – 1 (4-11-4, 3-5-2 SLC)

Scoring Summary

1. 27:03 – SLU – Brooke Opferman (2) – Assisted: Isabella Fregoso

2. 65:54 – SLU  – OWN GOAL – unassisted

3. 85:30 – MCN – Dom Ducal (1) – Assisted: Sydney O'Shea

Shots – SLU 17, MCN 13

Saves – MCN 8, SLU 6

Corner Kicks – MCN 6, SLU 5

Fouls – MVN 7, SLU 2

Offsides – MCN 2, SLU 1

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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