HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team closed out the week with a 2-2 tie against Southern Miss Thursday evening at the Marshall Bell Track & Field/Soccer Complex.
SLU (3-1-1) finished its hard fought battle on the road with its first tie of the season against Southern Miss (1-2-1). Senior Kaityln Tung posts her first goal of the season alongside junior Shae Kuntz to keep the Lions within the fight throughout the match. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran played all 90 minutes in the net for the green and gold with four saves in the contest.
Southeastern came out to a slow start as Southern Miss came out the gate aggressive with multiple early shots around the net to put pressure on the visitors' defense. As SLU worked to find its rhythm, Southern Miss's defense fought to break up opportunities. The green and gold battled to match the tempo of the Golden Eagles early as it settled in midway through the opening half to gain solid looks, but unable to capitalize.
Southern Miss broke free to secure the early advantage in the 22nd minute of the match as Ava Bynes stepped up to connect in the net before a quick hydration break, 1-0. The Lions persevered to produce a counter attack, but couldn't convert as the Golden Eagles quickly blocked the opportunity. Southeastern's defense battled to keep Southern Miss' offensive attacks at bay in an effort to stay within reach.
Late in the first half, Kaitlyn Tung prevailed to win the scramble around the net and secure her first goal of the season in the 31st minute of the match. Tung helped the Lions equalize the match 1-1 as the senior gained the goal from a corner kick opportunity. Southeastern continued to press up the field with energy in an attempt to take the lead before the half.
SLU closed out the first half with the edge, recording a 6-4 shot advantage over Southern Miss with four shots on goal. The Golden Eagles claimed four shots with two shots on goal and two corner kicks to end the half.
The Lions returned from the break with renewed energy as transfer Kuntz connected on her first goal to extend the lead in the 56th minute of the match. With the 2-1 lead early in the second half, SLU kept its foot on the gas in an effort to maintain its lead down the stretch. Southeastern's defense stepped up to erase plays before a hydration break called midway through the second half.
SLU worked to hold its lead down the stretch, but Southern Miss regained its composure at home to equalize the match in the final minutes of the second half. Ryan Smith launched a goal in the net in the 85th minute to tie the contest, 2-2. The Lions battled to regain their lead late in the half, but were unable to connect. Southeastern ties with the Golden Eagles for the first time since 2010.
The green and gold ended the match with 10 shots, six shots on goal and three corner kicks on the road. Southern Miss posted 15 shots, six shots on goal and six corner kicks to finish the night.
Southeastern will continue on the road, traveling to Baton Rouge, La. to face Southern Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. Live stats, provided by the host, can be accessed on the women's soccer schedule page at www.LionSports.net.
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.
