CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss in its battle against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Thursday night at the Dr. Jack Dugan Soccer and Track & Field Stadium.
SLU (5-6-1, 1-3 SLC) fell short against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (4-5-3, 1-2-1 SLC) on the road to close out week three of Southland Conference play. The Islanders gained an early advantage as they maintained their lead throughout the match as Southeastern was unable to connect on opportunities around the net. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran ended the night with three saves, playing all 90 minutes in the net.
The Islanders came out aggressive on their home field, in an effort to set the tone of the match in the opening minutes. The Lions opened the match unphased as their defense held strong, but Texas A&M-Corpus Christi remained on mission of gaining control early with nine shots taken in the first half. As both teams continued to battle, SLU broke free with an opportunity beautifully developed by Alexandra Knight off a counter attack to Ella Quinlan.
Quinlan gained an opening within the Islanders' defense on the left side, but was unable to connect with a narrow miss around the net. Southeastern remained physical early in the first half seeking an opportunity, but Texas A&M-Corpus Christi relentlessly fired shots around the box, recording four shots on goal. The hosts gained their lead off a no look header by Katie Porter in the 32nd minute of the match, 1-0.
With momentum late in the first half off Porter's seventh goal of the season, the Islanders worked to maintain their lead before the halftime break. SLU secured a corner kick opportunity from Brooke Opferman down the stretch, but were unable to capitalize as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi denied the near goal with three minutes left. The Lions continued to battle with one final push off a counter attack, but came out empty in the final minute.
The Islanders stuck to their first half game plan of capitalizing on corner kicks with four recorded in the opening half alongside nine shots and four shots on goal. Southeastern took two shots in the first half with one shot and one corner kick as the momentum remained in favor of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
SLU regained its composure in the opening of the second half as it returned with a higher level of intensity after halftime. The Lions came out with a sense of urgency, in an effort to stay within reach and equalize the match. Southeastern secured an edge over the Islanders in the second half, with a 9-1 shot advantage in the second half.
Junior Charlotte Lewis led the green and gold with five shots in the match, but were unable to connect in the net. The Lions recorded three shots on goal as it fought to put pressure on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's defense around the box. Midway through the half, the Islanders fought to extend their lead off a counter attack, but senior Isabella Walls denied the opportunity with great effort to outrun her opponent.
Walls forced the ball out as SLU continued to bring in fresh legs against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The hosts remained solid down the stretch as they held Southeastern scoreless throughout the contest, suffering its third straight conference match. The Lions finished the night with 11 shots, 10 fouls, five corner kicks and three shots on goal.
SLU will remain on the road to face Houston Christian Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Southeastern's match against the Huskies will be streamed 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
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