HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team finished its Southland Conference home opener with a 2-2 tie against reigning Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin Thursday evening in Strawberry Stadium.
Southeastern (2-4-3, 1-0-1 SLC) closed the evening with a hard fought battle at home to equalize the match against SFA (3-2-7, 1-0-2 SLC) at home. The Lady Lions gained the early advantage in the first half as freshman Aja Nelson claimed the first goal of her collegiate career. SFA battled to remain in the match and gain the upperhand, but senior Emma Ramsey stepped up to connect in the net and claim the draw. SLU goalkeeper Kendall Curran ended with an exceptional performance in the net with five saves.
Both teams came out to a slow start in the opening minutes of the match, but Southeastern gained its rhythm midway through the first half. The Lady Lions defense remained steady throughout the first half as they capitalized on SFA's mistakes to formulate attacks. SLU continued to be aggressive with the home field advantage as its reward came in the 42nd minute of the match by Nelson to secure a goal in the net. The Dallas, Texas native provided the spark off a perfectly executed assist by Isabella Fregoso to help Southeastern take a 1-0 lead over the Lumberjacks.
Stephen F. Austin worked to turn the momentum in their favor, but SLU's defense refused to let up and allow any opportunities. Southeastern's backline, with the help of Curran, held SFA scoreless the entire first half to deliver a statement on its home field. The Lady Lions ended the half with four shots, four saves and two corner kicks.
SLU returned from the halftime break, matching the confidence of the reigning SLC champions, as it continued to work to extend its lead. SFA regrouped early in the second half with a goal by Alexis Miller to tie the match 1-1. The Lumberjacks battled to push ahead and struck another attack in the 65th minute as Brielle Buchanan connected in the net to gain the lead, 2-1. Goalkeeper Sierra McCluer handled all the responsibility in the net for Stephen F. Austin as she finished the contest with three saves.
Southeastern remained poised as its defense pressured SFA to lock down the net the rest of the second half. Newcomer Kaitlyn Tung delivered a solid assist to Ramsey who answered the call in the 82nd minute to equalize the match yet again, 2-2. Ramsey broke free to claim her third consecutive goal of the season to keep the Lady Lions within the fight.
Both teams worked to gain a last minute edge, but neither could capitalize on any opportunity in the final minutes. SLU ended the match with eight shots, eight corner kicks and five saves against the Lumberjacks.
The Lady Lions will return to Strawberry Stadium Sunday at 12 p.m. to welcome Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to Hammond, America to complete their two match homestand. The match against the Islanders will be televised on ESPN+.
SLU – 2 1 – 1 - 2 (2-4-3, 1-0-1 SLC)
SFA – 2 0 – 2 – 2 (3-2-7, 1-0-2 SLC)
Scoring Summary
1. 42:15 – SLU – Aja Nelson (1) – Assisted: Isabella Fregoso
2. 55:35 – SFA – Alexis Miller (3)
3. 65:57 – SFA – Brielle Buchanan (3)
4. 82:18 – SLU – Emma Ramsey – Assisted: Kaitlyn Tung
Shots – SFA 12, SLU 8
Saves – SLU 5, SFA 3
Corner Kicks – SLU 8, SFA 6
Fouls – SFA 5, SLU 3
Offsides – SFA 0, SLU 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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