MONROE, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team suffered a 4-0 loss in its 2025 season opener against ULM in Brown Stadium Thursday evening.
Southeastern (0-1) fell in its first match on the road as ULM (1-0) gained the early lead and sustained its momentum and intensity the entire match. Lady Lion goalkeeper Kendall Curran and ULM goalkeeper Jen Handy played all 90 minutes of the match in the net.
The Lady Lions came out aggressive in their first match of the 2025 season as both teams looked to take control in the opening minutes. Southeastern worked to attack early in the match with multiple free kick opportunities in an effort to secure an edge over the Warhawks. ULM battled to turn the momentum in their favor as Beth Strutton claimed the first goal of the season in the 16th minute off a seamless assist by Margaret Edda Bjarnadottir to gain the lead, 1-0.
SLU fought to counter with a series of attacks, but the Warhawks clamped down to limit opportunities around the net. ULM continued to push to extend its lead as senior Blair Skylar broke free after a dish by Sophia Youngman. Youngman connected at the bottom center of the goal in the 35th minute as the Warhawks closed the first half with a 2-0 lead.
ULM maintained its edge in the opening minutes of the second half while controlling the pace of the match. The Lady Lions battled to cut into their deficit as freshman Sally Bero launched the first shot of the season to provide a spark of momentum. ULM undeterred remained in control to further extend its lead in the 70th minute as Guilia Franco found the net, 3-0.
The Warhawks struck again in the 76th minute of the match as Beth Strutton set up Libby Holmes to connect at the bottom right of the goal to broaden their lead, 4-0. SLU wrestled to formulate a counter attack to pressure the hosts as ULM persisted in defending its field at home.
Southeastern closed out the match with one shot and one corner kick, but could not capitalize on a series of free kick opportunities. The Warhawks finished with eight shots, four shots on goal and nine corner kicks.
The Lady Lions will move forward to complete their two-match road stretch against Troy Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. The match against the Trojans will be televised on ESPN+.
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
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
