HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 victory over UTRGV Sunday afternoon at Strawberry Stadium to close the week.
SLU (6-6-2, 2-3-1 SLC) secured the win in its hard fought battle against UTRGV (4-8-1, 0-4-1 SLC) at home to end week four of Southland Conference play. Both teams worked to take control in the first half, but the Lions broke free in the second half as Brooke Opferman found the net to record the victory for the green and gold. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran finished with a solid afternoon in the net with three saves to hold UTRGVscoreless, recording her second shutout this season.
The Vaqueros broke out the gate with energy in an effort to control the tempo of the match in the opening minutes. Southeastern came out to a slow start early in the first half, but worked to settle in with its home field advantage. UTRGV remained aggressive as it worked to intervene through SLU's passing lanes and develop its own counter attacks with seven shots in the half.
The Lions regained their composure once again midway through the first half as their defense held strong to keep UTRGV out of the net. Southeastern picked up its intensity as it battled to capitalize on the visitor's defensive gaps up the field. Senior Isabella Walls sparked momentum for the green and gold with a shot just shy above the net before sophomore Sally Bero continued the pressure on the Vaqueros' defense with a header nearly missing around the box, 0-0.
Southeastern closed out the first half with six shots and three shots on goal while clamping down defensively, not allowing a single shot on goal for UTRGV.
SLU returned from the halftime break with a higher level of intensity, claiming eight shots in the second half alone. The Vaqueros quickly worked to match the pace of SLU with a long range shot from Melany Gallegos early in the half, just missing her target off the crossbar. UTRGV gained momentum midway through the second half as they remained relentless to capitalize on an opportunity.
The green and gold continued to step up and remained unfazed to hold strong defensively, denying opportunities around the box. Both teams stayed aggressive, fighting to gain an advantage before the hydration break in the 29th minute of the second half. After returning from the break, Shae Kuntz and Sally Bero made crucial defensive spots for Southeastern to break up opportunities for UTRGV up the field.
With time dwindling down late in the final half, Opferman delivered the game winner for the Lions as she found the net in the 81st minute of the match. Opferman's fifth goal of the season helped SLU claim a 1-0 advantage as she stayed on the attack after a previous miss around the box. UTRGV fought to gain an opportunity to equalize the match with five shots in the half, but Southeastern stayed in the driver seat the remainder of the contest.
The green and gold finished with 14 shots and nine shots on goal led by junior Charlotte Lewis along with six corner kicks. UTRGV ended its road match with 12 shots and three shots on goal against the Lions. Vaquero goalkeeper Mariana Amezcua played all 90 minutes with eight saves to close out a busy afternoon in the net.
Southeastern will travel to Nacogdoches, Texas to face Stephen F. Austin Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Thursday's match against Stephen F. Austin 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
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @Nathan90G on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow slusoccer on Instagram.
