NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team secured its fourth all-time victory over Stephen F. Austin Thursday evening with a 1-0 lead at the SFA Soccer Field.
Southeastern (7-6-2, 3-3-1 SLC) extended its two-match winning streak with a road victory over Stephen F. Austin (4-12-0, 1-6-0 SLC) to close out the week of Southland Conference action. SLU took control of the match early as Alexandra Knight found the back of the net to claim the lead, securing her eighth goal of the season. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran closed out a solid night in the net with three saves, recording her second straight shutout to aid in the win.
From the start of kickoff, the Lions battled to take control and set the tempo of the match on the road. Southeastern gained a 5-4 shot advantage over the hosts in the first half, steadily testing Stephen F. Austin's defense around the net. Southeastern remained locked in, searching for an opportunity to gain an edge over the Lady Jacks with four shots on goal in the opening half.
As SLU settled into the match, senior Isabella Walls delivered an assist to Knight to find the back of the net against SFA, 1-0. In the 17th minute of the match, Knight fueled the lead for the green and gold becoming the first Lion since Christina Cutura in 2018 to record eight goals in a season. Knight continues to lead the green and gold scoring while Walls leads the team with three assists.
The Lady Jacks battled to answer back, but Southeastern turned up its intensity to deny opportunities around the net, limiting the hosts to two shots on goal. SLU worked to extend its lead with momentum in its favor, but could not capitalize with near misses around the net. Stephen F. Austin struggled to find its rhythm before closing out the first half as the green and gold held strong to maintain its lead before the halftime break.
Southeastern returned from the break with the same dominant energy as Brooke Opferman wasted no time with a cross to Knight for an opportunity around the box, but with a narrow miss three minutes into the second half. With the lead, SLU remained aggressive in the opening of the second half as SFA desperately fought to equalize the contest. Stephen F. Austin worked to get within its attacking territory, capitalizing on back-to-back fouls called against the Lions.
The green and gold did not loosen its defensive grip as Curran continued to say unphased in the net. Stephen F. Austin settled midway through the second half, seeking to match the intensity of Southeastern. SLU's defense stayed determined to keep the Lady Jacks off the board, limiting the hosts to only one shot on frame in the final half.
The Lions continued to attack to place pressure on Stephen F. Austin's defense with its quick tempo in the second half, but SFA stepped up to hold the green and gold to one shot in the half. Southeastern sought an opportunity to increase the Lady Jacks' deficit, but could not find the back of the net in the second half. Stephen F. Austin produced a dangerous counter attack, but the challenge was cut off by junior Lainey Connell to give SLU the ball back.
Down the stretch, SFA worked against the pressure in an effort to refuse to give up late in the second half. Remaining focused on searching for an opportunity to tie the contest, the Lady Jacks posted seven shots in the final half alone. SLU's stifling defense held strong throughout the match, denying Stephen F. Austin high quality shots around the net.
With the costly mistake of a late offside call against SFA, Southeastern gained the ball in the final seconds to work with the dwindling clock. SLU finished the match with its third SLC win of the season, posting six shots, four shots on goal and three corner kicks. The Lady Jacks ended the contest with 11 shots, three shots on goal and three corner kicks.
The Lions will return to Strawberry Stadium in Hammond, America for a two-match home stretch against Northwestern State Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. and Lamar Sunday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the special celebration of nine seniors for Senior Day against Lamar.
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.
