COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Little Rock soccer team's defense held strong for the entire first half, but No. 14 Texas A&M broke a scoreless tie early in the second half for a 1-0 victory at Ellis Field on Friday night.
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After being shut out for the entire first half, Texas A&M got its goal four minutes into the second half off the foot of Emily Bates. Bates had the ball at the right edge of the penalty area and dribbled past two Trojan defenders to the top of the box. Once there, she ripped a curving shot into the left corner over Little Rock goalkeeper
Sara Small for the 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.
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The Trojans' best opportunity to score came in the 53rd minute off the foot of
Caitlyn Eddy. The sophomore ripped a shot from distance toward the top of the goal, and Texas A&M keeper Danielle Rice had to make a leaping attempt at the ball. Rice managed to get just enough of the ball to deflect it up, onto the crossbar and away from danger.
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Sara Small had another strong night in net, allowing just the one Aggies goal while making five saves.
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Little Rock is back home on Friday night when it hosts Mississippi Valley State at 7 p.m. at the Coleman Sports & Recreation Complex. The Trojans will be honoring their seniors during the game as part of the annual Senior Night tradition.
