Box Score LITTLE ROCK - Freshman Ariel Galletti's golden goal 1:38 into the overtime period was all the offense UALR (7-8-0, 3-3-0 SBC) needed on Sunday, as the Trojans topped visiting Louisiana-Lafayette (4-10-1, 0-6-0) by a 1-0 final at Burns Park. The win gets UALR back to the .500 mark in league play and improves their record to 6-1 on the season at home.
"I thought we showed a lot of heart, a lot of character, a lot of determination today," said head coach Freddy Delgado. "We didn't play as well technically as we wanted, but sometimes it just takes pure courage and pure heart and pure determination, and all of our players showed that today."
Galletti's goal in the 92nd minute was her fourth of the season, tying her with seniors Rachael Maina and Christina Veasley for the team lead.
Following a scoreless 90 minutes that saw both teams combine for 20 total shots and 11 shots on goal, the Trojans and the Rajin' Cajuns needed an extra 1:38 to settle the match. Galletti's golden goal came off a helper from senior Jacquelyn Paz. Paz placed a pass down the middle of the field that allowed Galletti to get a step on the ULL defense. Separating from the defender, the freshman caught up to Paz's pass and beat the keeper bottom right for her first career game-winner.
The Trojans' seventh victory ties their season total from a year ago with five regular season matches remaining.
"At this point in the season, I think we're doing a very good job," said Delgado. "We've played some very, very difficult teams on the road. Oklahoma State, who is doing very well; Memphis is doing very well. We went on the road and played UTEP and New Mexico State, and although we didn't get the wins we wanted, we knew it was going to prepare us for Sun Belt play."
Seven different UALR players put up shots on the day. Sophomore Adrianna Queen led all Trojans with five shots. Paz put up four, while seniors Veasley and Kristen Semko contributed three and two, respectively.
Junior Michelle Pittman had another strong match in goal, saving four shots en route to her second shutout in as many games. The Albuquerque, N.M., native now has 72 saves on the year.
Louisiana-Lafayette goalkeeper Amanda Moorefield also played well between the pipes, stopping seven shots before surrendering the game-winner.
ULL led in corner kicks, 7-6. The Trojans where whistled for 15 fouls on the afternoon, compared to 11 for the Cajuns.
UALR will now hit the road for three straight matches before their final home match of the year on Oct. 23 against Denver.
Next up, the Trojans travel to Alabama for matches at Troy and South Albama next weekend. First kick for their Oct. 14 matchup with Troy is slated for 3 p.m.
