HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team closed out its two-match homestand with a 1-0 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Sunday afternoon in Strawberry Stadium.
SLU (3-4-3, 2-0-1 SLC) ended week two of conference play with a victory over the Islanders (2-6-3, 0-2-1 SLC) to extend its six-match unbeaten streak. Southeastern gained the early advantage in the first half as senior Rylee Franklin connected in the net off a penalty kick to secure the win at home. Lady Lion goalkeeper Kendall Curran finished with a solid afternoon in the net, securing two saves against the visitors.
Southeastern came out to a hot start in the opening minutes of the match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who struggled to find their rhythm on the road in the first half. The Lady Lions formulated attacks early with their home field advantage to pressure the Islanders' defensive front. SLU's aggression paid off in the 10th minute of the match as a penalty kick was awarded to provide a spark of momentum. Franklin launched a goal in the back of the net to record her second goal of the season and help Southeastern gain a 1-0 lead.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi worked to develop offensive attacks, but SLU's defensive backline smothered the visitors, allowing only one shot in the first half. The Lady Lions kept their foot on the gas the remainder of the first half with four shot attempts and multiple solid opportunities around the net. The Islanders continued their offensive woes, but battled to keep Southeastern out the net for the rest of the first half.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi goalkeeper Jessie Spurrell ended the afternoon with two saves, after handling all the responsibility in the net. SLU ended the half with four shots, one corner, and eight fouls to maintain all the momentum and hold Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scoreless.
The Islanders returned from the halftime break with a different level of intensity as they fired multiple shots, working to cut into their deficit. Southeastern's defense held strong to block opportunities around the net, but Texas A&M-Corpus Christi refused to back down. The tide of momentum turned against SLU midway through the second half as the Islanders gained four corner kick opportunities with near shots around the goal.
The Lady Lions fought to extend their lead, but could not capitalize on opportunities late in the second half. The Islanders developed a series of offensive opportunities in the final minutes of the match to pressure Southeastern's defense, but fell short. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi finished the match with eight shots, five corner kicks and 19 fouls. SLU posted nine shots, two corners and 12 fouls to earn its first conference victory at home this season.
The Lady Lions will travel to Natchitoches, La. to face Northwestern State Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. Thursday's match against the Lady Demons will be streamed on ESPN+.
SLU – 1 1 – 0 - 1 (3-4-3, 2-0-1 SLC)
TAMUCC – 0 0 – 0 – 0 (2-6-3, 0-2-1 SLC)
Scoring Summary
1. 10:32 – SLU – Rylee Franklin (2) – Penalty Kick
Shots – SLU 9 , TAMUCC 8
Saves – SLU 2, TAMUCC 2
Corner Kicks – TAMUCC 5, SLU 2
Fouls – TAMUCC 19, SLU 12
Offsides – SLU 1, TAMUCC 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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