JONESBORO, Ark. – For the second time in as many games, a late goal did in Little Rock as the Trojans dropped a 1-0 decision to rival Arkansas State. The loss drops Little Rock to 4-5-1 overall and 0-1-1 in Sun Belt Conference play.
Despite holding a 19-8 shot advantage, Arkansas State made the most of a late opportunity, putting a shot in the upper corner at the 84:58 mark, giving the Red Wolves the game-winning tally. It came one game after the Trojans surrendered a goal with two seconds left in regulation against Louisiana, leading to a tie against the Ragin' Cajuns.
Seeking its fourth-straight victory over the rival Red Wolves, Little Rock came out the aggressor, taking five of the first six shots of the game, including a pair on goal. The two teams battled to a 0-0 halftime tie with goalkeeper
Megan Swanson registering a pair of saves in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half proved to be more of the same as Little Rock continued its offensive attack, outshooting the Red Wolves 11-4. Seven of the Trojan shot attempts were on goal, but were turned away by goalkeeper Kelsey Ponder, keeping Little Rock off the scoreboard.
Doro Greulich led the Trojans with five shots on the afternoon, including a pair on goal, with
Morgan Smocovich and Arola Aparicio Gill adding four shots each.
Quin Wilkes and
Sairra Tucker both registered a pair of shots as each put one on goal.
Defensively, goalkeeper
Megan Swanson registered four saves as the Trojans held the Red Wolves to eight shots. Little Rock held a 6-4 edge in corner kicks while being whistled for a pair of offside calls.
Little Rock now returns to Coleman to begin a three-game home stand, beginning Sunday as the Trojans step out of Sun Belt Conference play for the final time in 2017, hosting UT-Rio Grande Valley. Opening kick against the Vaqueros is set for 1 p.m.
#LittleRocksTeam
