HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team suffered a 2-1 loss against Jackson State Sunday evening in its home opener in Strawberry Stadium.

The Lady Lions (0-3) dropped their third straight match of the season against Jackson State (1-3) as the visitors gained two goals in the second half. SLU goalkeeper Kendall Curran finished the night with two saves after handling all the responsibility in the net. 

Southeastern came out physical in the opening minutes of the match with the home field advantage against the Lady Tigers. SLU controlled the pace of the game early in the first half with multiple shot opportunities, but was unable to connect in the net. Jackson State fought back to capitalize off the Lady Lions' early mistakes and match their physicality. Southeastern worked to formulate offensive attacks, but the Lady Tigers' defense battled to disrupt any advances.

SLU secured six corner kicks in the first half as it remained in control of the tempo. Jackson State remained relentless in its effort to turn the tide of momentum, forming a series of counter attacks. Both teams strived to record the first goal of the match, but closed the first half scoreless.

Jackson State returned from the halftime break with a new found intensity as the Lady Lions quickly worked to crush the visitors' spark of energy. The Tigers gained a clear shot attempt, but newcomer Loegan Alia stepped up with an excellent save. Both teams fought to establish their dominance as Southeastern secured the first offensive breakthrough in the second half. Sophomore midfielder Charlotte Lewis claimed her first collegiate goal of her career in the 54th minute of the match to put SLU in the lead, 1-0.

The Lady Tigers wasted no time to retaliate in the 61st minute of the match with a goal by Caylah Williams. Williams found the back of the net off an assist by Zaniyah Gonzague to tie the match 1-1 early in the half. Both teams' physicality caught up to them midway through the second half as multiple fouls were drawn. The Lady Lions continued to battle to regain their lead as Jackson State's Ryanne Harper-Hawthorne fueled the series of penalties against the visitors with a yellow card in the 67th minute. 

Southeastern gained solid offensive advances up the field, but could not further connect in the net. The Lady Lions' chances to extend their lead off free kicks continued as Harper-Hawthrone recorded her first red card of the season. The Lady Tigers refused to be set back as Williams broke free to connect in the net for the second goal of the evening. Williams helped Jackson State take the lead 2-1 against SLU late in the second half.

The Lady Lions fought to strike back, but the Lady Tigers tightly held on to their late spark of momentum to close out the match with their first win of the season on the road. Jackson State goalkeeper Valentina Goodloe finished a busy night in the net with six saves to aid in the win. 

SLU concluded the match with 18 shots, 11 corner kicks and seven shots on goal. Jackson State finished with seven shots, five shots on goal, and two corner kicks.

Southeastern will head back on the road to face South Alabama Sunday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. in Mobile, Ala. The match against the Jaguars will be televised on ESPN+.

SLU – 1 0 – 1 - 1 (0-3)

JSU – 2 0 – 2 – 2 (2-1)

Scoring Summary

1. 54:14 – SLU – Charlotte Lewis (1)

2. 61:04 – JSU – Caylah Williams (2)  – Assisted: Zaniyah Gonzague

3. 75:03 – JSU – Caylah Williams (2)

Shots – SLU 18, JSU 7

Saves – JSU 6, SLU 2

Corner Kicks – TRO 6, SLU 3

Fouls – JSU 7, SLU 5

Offsides – SLU 2, JSU 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
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.