HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team posted a 1-1 draw against Houston Christian Thursday evening at Sorrels Field.
Southeastern (5-6-2, 1-3-1 SLC) closed out its two-match road stretch with a tie against Houston Christian (6-3-4, 2-0-2 SLC). The Lions ended its three-match losing streak in a hard fought battle against the Huskies as Daniella Muro found the back of the net. The green and gold stepped up to hold HCU scoreless in the second half to maintain its momentum and claim its first draw in Southland Conference play. Senior Kendall Curran protected the net all 90 minutes for the Lions with two saves.
HCU wasted no time, right of the gate, to control the tempo of the match with its home field advantage. The Huskies came out aggressive early in the first half as Rylan Breath found the back of the net in the fifth minute of the contest off an assist by Olivia Rossman. Breath's first goal of the season earned Houston Christian a 1-0 advantage as Southeastern battled to strike back.
SLU gained its composure to settle down and take its own risks in an effort to bounce back and equalize the match. Southeastern worked to match the intensity of the hosts as it found its rhythm midway through the first half, valuing its possessions. HCU countered and picked up its momentum once again with five shots and three corner kicks in the first half.
The Lions fought to find an opportunity around the box as it spread out the Huskies defense, firing two shots on goal in the first half. As the physical opening half dwindled down, with four fouls called against each team, Southeastern prevailed to break free down the stretch. Muro found the net for SLU with her first career goal for the green and gold.
The sophomore, from a long range kick, struck the back of the net in the 29th minute to tie the match, 1-1. Muro's goal provided Southeastern a surge of momentum to close out the first half strong on the road with five shots, two shots on goal and two corner kicks.
Both teams came out aggressive as they returned from the halftime break looking to take the lead in the second half. Southeastern weathered the storm with multiple shots on goal early, recording three shots on goal in the second half led by junior Charlotte Lewis. The green and gold kept its foot on the gas, continuing to pressure HCU's defense in its own territory.
Houston Christian battled to regain its intensity from the first half as it posted four corner kicks in the half, but SLU's defense held strong to keep the hosts out the net. Both teams relied on substitutions in the final 15 minutes of the match to utilize fresh legs. The Lions defense continued to clamp down late in the match to deny the Huskies opportunities around the box.
Senior Isabella Walls battled to be at the right place at the right time throughout the match as spearheaded the defense, blocking multiple of HCU's long range shots. With the veteran experience of Southeastern's defense, the visitors refused to give Houston Christian an advantage. In the final minutes of the match, HCU battled for its final opportunity with a near shot around the box, but soared too high over the crossbar.
SLU finished the match with nine shots, five shots on goal and two corner kicks. HCU ended the contest with 11 shots, three shots on goal and seven corner kicks.
The Lions will return home to Strawberry Stadium to host UTRGV Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Sunday's match against the Vaqueros will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can listen to all the Southeastern action locally on KSLU 90.9 The Lion and worldwide online at either www.LionSports.net/listenlive or www.LionUpRadio.org, or via the following apps – the Lions Gameday Experience and MyTuner Radio. Fans are also encouraged to join Southeastern by raising awareness for breast cancer by wearing pink against UTRGV for its Pink Out match.
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.
