Box Score LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ? The UALR Trojan women's soccer team (1-1) did not disappoint the nearly 200 in attendance as they defeated the Centenary Ladies (1-1) by a 2-1 score. Both squads headed into halftime with no goals scored, although there were two Centenary goals disallowed by the referees.
“It was an important game for us, in that it was the first game we had our whole team together and could see how they played against real competition,” said head coach Greg Hess. “We really felt like we had control of the game from the start, and spent the majority of the time on their side of the field. We had great possessions throughout the game, and once we began to outplay them, we really didn't want to see them come from behind to beat us. Fortunately, Leanne made a couple of big shots and helped us get a win."
Trojan freshman forward Leanne Mihelich got the ball rolling, scoring her first goal of her collegiate career in the 50th minute off an assist from freshman forward Alex Rustad. Centenary's Jennifer Hopkins tied the game in the 71st minute when the Ladies' Elizabeth Sweatt shot the ball of the crossbar and the soccer ball found the feet of Hopkins, who promptly put the ball in the back of the net. The score didn't stay tied for very long as the Trojans' Mihelich got a breakaway and put the Trojans up for good.
“Leanne (Mihelich) is a fantastic player,” said Hess. “She was highly recruited coming out of high school and we were fortunate to sign her. She has worked hard all preseason and now the fans are getting to see how well she can produce. Alex (Rustad) also had a great game. She didn't do some of the things that show up on the scoresheet, but she worked hard all game.”
The Trojans had numerous opportunities throughout the second half to score more goals, but their shots hit the crossbar or sailed just high or wide of the net. The Trojans outshot the Ladies 20-10. Mihelich had seven of the team's 20 shots, including five shots-on-goal. Trojan sophomore Jamie Laughlin got the win for UALR, stopping four shots in the second half. Trojan freshman Jane Picarelli played the first half and didn't face a shot.
UALR returns to Burns Park on Tuesday Sept. 4 at 4 pm to take on the Missouri State Lady Bears.
