HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team fell 2-0 against West Florida Friday evening at Strawberry Stadium.
Southeastern (4-3-1) suffered its first shutout of the season against West Florida (4-0) to close out its non conference schedule at home. The Lions battled at home versus the Argonauts, in an effort to deliver the visitors their first loss, but could not capitalize to cut into their deficit. Senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran played all 90 minutes in the net for the green and gold with five saves.
Both teams came out aggressive in the opening minutes of the first half to set the tone of the contest. Out the gate, West Florida took control of the pace of the match with multiple early shots around the net. Southeastern worked to match the Argonauts' uptempo style of play as both teams heavily relied on its defensive front to limit opportunities.
West Florida continued to put pressure on SLU's defense with nine shots in the first half alone. The Lions battled to keep up with the Argonauts' quickness on the pitch, but the visitors broke free in the 35th minute of the match to claim the lead, 1-0. Southeastern fought to turn the tide of momentum from West Florida, but the visitors remained relentless in their effort to maintain control of the contest.
SLU regained its composure at the end of the first half as it worked to find gaps within the Argonauts defense, but the visitors held strong to limit opportunities. West Florida claimed three corner kick opportunities while holding the green and gold to only two shots and one corner kick in the first half.
West Florida returned from the half time break with its same intensity as the Lions battled to stay within reach at home. Southeastern worked to slow the pace of the contest and value possessions, but could not connect in the net early in the second half to equalize the match. The Argonauts picked up where they left off in the first half, remaining in the drive seat with a 1-0 advantage.
The green and gold's defense regained its composure as senior Isabella Walls stepped up for Southeastern back line with multiple crucial stops. Though SLU's defense blocked multiple shots around the net, West Florida refused to settle as Eva Mowery launched a goal to the back of the net in the 51st minute of the match. With a 2-0 lead, the visitors continued to keep the momentum in its favor on the road with eight shots in the second half.
SLU refused to back down as it continued to search for a gap within the Argonauts defense, but could not connect on near shots around the net. Sophomore Alexandra Knight and freshman Madison Vogler connected in the net for Southeastern, but both goals were called off due to penalties against the Lions. West Florida remained aggressive, but Southeastern clamped down defensively late in the second half to hold the visitors at two goals.
The Lions ended the match with three shots, three corner kicks and one shot on goal against West Florida. The Argonauts closed out the contest with 17 shots, eight shots on goal and seven corner kicks.
Southeastern will remain at home to open Southland Conference play Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. against conference rival McNeese. Thursday's match versus the Cowgirls will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans are encouraged to support the Lions against McNeese for Scarf Night as the first fans in attendance will receive a free scarf to rep the green and gold.
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.
